Quite a number of the Deists I know are Taoists or
Zen Buddhists as well as Deists, and others often speak of meditation
and contemplation when relating their practices. This page addresses
contemplation.
I use the eastern definitions to distinguish
meditation from
contemplation. I view meditation as the silencing and emptying of the
mind, transcending thought, while I define contemplation as reflection
on or concentration on a theme or an idea or a natural activity. I
believe in practicing both. Both are spiritual experiences.
I speak at some length about meditation on the
meditation page. While
I do meditate, I also contemplate. In fact, by the definitions above, I spend more time in
contemplation than in meditation. I often reflect on the things going on
in my life and on the things that matter to me most. In fact, I maintain
a Blog that I call
Reflections. I am a very busy person, and I don't spend enough time
either meditating or contemplating, but that does not mean I do not
recognize the value of these practices, nor does it stop me from
recommending them. Obviously, you must do what works for you.
There is a wonderful page on contemplation at
the
Center for Contemplative Mind in Society. Bear in mind that they
lump contemplation, meditation and a number of other activities under
the general heading of contemplative practices. Certainly not wrong, but
different.
I have taken their Tree of Contemplative Practices and have created a
Deist Tree of
Contemplative Practices. I would love to get feedback and input from
you to make the tree more complete.