Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Contemplative Life Project

For the past couple months, my focus has turned more and more towards the pursuit of a contemplative life. By this, I mean a lifestyle specifically designed to cultivate awareness, insight and compassion for oneself and others, by slowing down, simplifying, and exploring one's inner depths. It is a way of being that is fundamentally radical and transformative. Contemplative practices include meditation, in all its various forms, but also encompass a wide range of other disciplines, to include mind-body practices, art, and reflection.

In many ways, however, this is not a new thing for me, since I have always felt a unique calling towards a lifestyle of silence, solitude, and simplicity.

But recently, I have become increasingly interested in pursuing deep and rigorous spiritual growth as a layperson. So, how can I live a radically spiritual life without becoming a monastic? Well, that is my project.....

Agi's Monastic Rules
I decided to begin by coming up with some practices to follow. I wanted to be as hard-core as possible, to really explore the possibilities. Not all of these practices are a part of my life just yet, but I am working towards them... Check them out HERE.

As I continue to explore these and other practices, I will share my journey. I welcome any comments, ideas, thoughts, and advice. :)