The Art of Contemplative Self-Cultivation
The ancient Chinese classic, The Book of Changes (I Ching), teaches that all things in nature change based on dynamic relationships between contrasting opposites: there is no up without down, hot without cold, summer without winter, young without old, or part without whole. Contemplation is no exception; contemplation is a complement to meditation.
Crisis in Perception – Respond by Evolving Character
Humanity has reached a turning point defined by a simple truth: our survival on Earth depends on our ability to change ourselves. Like no other time in human history, every individual, in every community, of every nation has become part of one global community; yet overall, many of the customs and habits from which our societies operate are magnifying potentials for the destruction of human life, and the biosphere.
Do Better Next Time
Mature growth requires constant self-observation – actively being on the lookout for ways that we may unintentionally allow negative patterns to dominate our personality, leading to unintended negative outcomes. However, when faced with the painful realization we have done wrong, all too often, reactionary responses of shame or regret may mire our ability to make positive change; yet another way we can allow a negative pattern to dominate – essentially trading one negative for another. Allowed to continue, we can all too easily find ourselves in a vicious cycle, and we risk being habitually stuck. Either we turn away in fear, or we perseverate in the pain.
