Center for Contemplative Practice & Wellbeing

What is contemplative practice?

One might say contemplation is the art of learning to be here, now. It is the practice of bringing one’s full awareness to the present moment, for the sake of all sorts of things. Contemplative practices do not belong to any one religious tradition or philosophical region. While some generalities might be made between Eastern or Western practices, rich differences exist and no definition can fully capture the riches of contemplative practice.

Why might a person begin a contemplative practice?

to know oneself
to feel more whole or calm or peaceful or settled
to untangle
to learn to be honest or loving
to slow down enough to feel, to care, to be kind
to hear one’s own voice, or that of another
to learn to feel pleasure
to draw close to the divine or to what transcends what we can know
to connect with what is sacred, near or far
to prepare for actions of justice and courage
to become quiet
to become wise
to become free to be ourselves
to become

“Contemplative practices are practical, radical, and transformative, developing capacities for deep concentration and quieting the mind in the midst of the action and distraction that fills everyday life. This state of calm centeredness is an aid to exploration of meaning, purpose and values. Contemplative practices can help develop greater empathy and communication skills, improve focus and attention, reduce stress and enhance creativity, supporting a loving and compassionate approach to life.” (www.contemplativemind.org/practices)

Contemplation is not an idea or a belief. It is practicing simple exercises that involve our whole selves in the challenge (especially today) of fully being right here, right now. We call our center the Center for Contemplative Practice and Wellbeing for this reason. Being good, feeling good, takes practice.

The Center for Action and Contemplation offers the following examples of simple contemplative practices:

Drumming: Practicing surrendering the mind and attuning the body through rhythm

Walking Meditation: Taking slow, mindful steps

Ecstatic Dance: Moving freely to music

Chanting: Singing with intention

Centering Prayer: Observing and letting go of all thoughts without judgment during a period of silence

Lectio Divina: Reading short passages of text in a contemplative way

Welcoming Prayer: Welcoming any feeling, sensation, or emotion that arises in the midst of your day

YHWH Prayer: Consciously saying God’s name through each breath

Pranayama: Breathing mindfully

Loving Kindness Meditation: Recognizing your inner source of loving kindness and sending love to others

Or consider this simple invitation from Thich Nhat Hanh’s Learning How to Sit:

Cover: "How to Sit" by Thich Nhat Hanh On paying attention to your breath:

“In our daily lives, our attention is dispersed. Our body is in one place, our breath is ignored, and our mind is wandering. As soon as we pay attention to our breath, as we breathe in, these three things—body, breath, and mind—come together. This can happen in just one or two seconds. You come back to yourself. Your awareness brings these three elements together, and you become fully present in the here and the now. You are taking care of your body, you are taking care of your breath, and you are taking care of your mind.”

Opportunities

Angela practicing Yoga in the May Dell one leg in air

Mindfulness - every Wednesday, 4:30-5pm, Little Chapel – Anam (Gaelic for “soul”) – a time of mindfulness for all college students (Currently on Pause)
Yoga - The Center is currently looking for a new yoga instructor and look forward to making that announcement soon.
Tai Chi with Dr. Jing Ye – every 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 12:30-1:15, in the Dance Studio. Our class is free and suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced students – open for all members of the Salem Academy & College Community
Mindful Mondays – (this meeting is currently on hold) every Monday, 12:30-12:50, Little Chapel – a time of mindfulness for Academy & College employees
(Currently on hold, please contact Dr. Bradford if you have suggestions for this ongoing event or are interested in a helping facilitate.)

The Contemplative Tree

Contemplative Mind Tree of Contemplative Practices

Contemplative Practices are both individual and communal, still and active, quiet and loud. Join us as we care for ourselves, and lead others to a more centered way of living.

CMind. (2021). The Tree of Contemplative Practices [Illustration]. The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society.

Past Special Events (New events will resume in the 2023-2024 academic year)

Labyrinth Walk
December 6-8 in the Student Center Meeting Rooms; drop by anytime for your self-guided walk. Information will be available at the door.
“Understanding Buddhist Meditation”
led by Rev. Jissan Michelle Nicolle, PhD, BCC
Buddhist priest & Chaplain for Wake Forest School of Medicine and Innovation Quarter
Monday, March 22, 5:30pm,
Student Center Meeting Rooms
“White Supremacy in the American Church”
guest speaker - Dr. Kristopher Norris, author of Witnessing Whiteness
jointly sponsored with Black Student Union
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 5:30pm
Shirley Recital Hall
“Create your own Journal with Spiritual Journaling”
jointly sponsored with Center for Women Writers
Monday, March 29, 6pm, Student Center Meeting Rooms

About the CCPW

As part of Salem College’s focus on health leadership, we are leading the way in providing support and tools for spiritual health and wellbeing. The Center for Contemplative Practice & Wellbeing provides ongoing events, programs, and educational opportunities about how best to care for our whole selves in the midst of a stressful world.

The Founder and Director of the Center is Rev. Dr. Amy Rio, Chaplain of Salem Academy & College. Rev. Dr. Aminah Bradford is delighted to be serving as the Center’s interim director.