At the roots of all contemplative practices transcending religions, philosophies, and even some recreational activities (fly fishing?) are the common intentions of cultivating awareness and developing a stronger connection to source. The words chosen to describe that with which one strives to connect are tricky since they are unavoidably colored by our own experiences. Most of us carry complex and often mixed-up definitions of god (with big or little g), the divine, our higher selves, spirit, inner wisdom, source energy, a higher power. Notice that some of these appellations point us to something separate from our individual selves (dualistic) and some to something inside ourselves (non-dual). In both cases there seems to be agreement that the connection we are cultivating during contemplative practices is one of inner experience. The word that best resonates with you personally will most likely inform the traditions and practices to which you gravitate.
The Center For Contemplative Mind has come up with a very nice tree of contemplative practices shown here. There are, no doubt, many more than are included here but it gives a sense of the richness and breadth of man’s pursuit of connection. In keeping with our tantric roots we’ve decided to take a slightly different approach to categorizing the practices: one that groups practices according to the ways in which we gather information: the senses (sight, sound, taste), our bodies (movement, breath, and emotions), our minds, and the practice we here at contemplate this… appreciate greatly for it’s unique ability to transcend many of these categories, yoga nidra. We invite you explore a few of the practices we at ct… have in our toy box using the links to sight, sound, taste, body and mind.
