“When you are disturbed, commune with your own heart . . . and be silent.”
Psalm 4:4
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage from the Book of Psalms is an individual expression of encouragement. The Psalmist speaks to us—and to themselves. They invite us to be introspective so negative thoughts and feelings don’t rule our experience.
- Introspection, or self-observation, is inner contemplation of thoughts and feelings, whether positive or negative. As part of our spiritual practice, it helps us notice what’s happening within us, so we can discern how to act, based on our observations.
- Introspection also helps us grow in self-awareness and accept responsibility for our choices and decisions. With it, we recognize and acknowledge our thinking and feeling nature. Without it, we’re like automatons, going through the motions of life, disconnected from what we value and love.
- As we develop introspection, often through times of silence and meditation, we notice an aspect of ourselves which can decide whether it agrees with the thoughts or emotions we witness. This is our enlightened mindset, God nature, or Christ self, the same consciousness which was in Jesus, Buddha, and other spiritual masters.
- Demonstration is the evidence you can see of what does or doesn’t work in your life.Through introspection, you determine whether you want to demonstrate—express in the outer world—what you think and feel.
- Minister and Master Teacher Ed Rabel notes that we may criticize what we observe, but we don’t criticize ourselves. For example, we might say, “I feel overwhelmed working on three projects at once,” but we don’t say, “I’m an idiot for trying to accomplish so much.” If we dislike our behavior or choice, so be it. But we don’t condemn ourselves for making what we imagined was the best decision at the time. Furthermore, with introspection, we can view overwhelm—and other feelings—as divine messengers, guiding us to transform our behavior and choose differently.
- Ed Rabel also urges self-compassion. He recommends that introspection be done in “a positive, loving, forgiving, understanding way. Otherwise,” he says, “you’ll . . . hit yourself in the head with a psychic hammer.” So, the more heart-centered your introspection, the more self-aware you become.
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What are my recurring thoughts?
- Breathe deeply, with your attention centered on your heart. Gently allow your thoughts to flow.
- Next, list, word map, or illustrate as many thoughts as you can.
- Then, mark an “N” by any you consider Negative and a “P” by any you consider Positive.
- What are my recurring feelings?
- Breathe deeply, with your attention centered on your heart. Gently allow your feelings to flow.
- Next, list, word map, or illustrate as many feelings as you can.
- Then, mark an “N” by any you consider Negative and a “P” by any you consider Positive.
- When I contemplate my thoughts, which do I truly want to demonstrate?
- Breathe deeply, with your attention centered on your heart.
- Reflect on any negative thoughts. Can they be translated into a positive, guiding you to recognize a specific need?
- If Yes, list, word map, or illustrate what they are.
- If No, cross them out and gently release them.
- Reflect on the positive thoughts. Which are guiding you to affirm what already works or to make different choices?
- List, word map, or illustrate what they are.
- Then, reflect on all you’ve discerned, and list, word map, or illustrate the demonstrations you desire.
- When I contemplate my feelings, which do I truly want to demonstrate?
- Breathe deeply, with your attention centered on your heart.
- Reflect on any negative feelings. Can they be translated into a positive, guiding you to recognize a specific need?
- If Yes, list, word map, or illustrate what they are.
- If No, cross them out and gently release them.
- Reflect on the positive feelings. Which are guiding you to affirm what already works or to make different choices?
- List, word map, or illustrate what they are.
- Then, reflect on all you’ve discerned and list, word map, or illustrate the demonstrations you desire.
- When I contemplate my deepening self-awareness, what are at least three (3) ways I am witnessing growth in my life?
- Breathe deeply, with your attention centered on your heart.
- Then, list, word map, or illustrate as much as you observe.
Use this devotional as often as you like, especially to deepen your self-awareness. As you do, adopt a sense of loving, good humor so you’re gentle and compassionate with yourself. Be silent, even if you can’t be still. Remind yourself that you are one of God’s beloveds, not everything you think or feel. Let your thoughts and feelings be sacred messengers so you grow more enlightened. Especially, rejoice in knowing your own heart.
© 2023 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo by Diachuk Vasyl from Shutterstock.
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