
New Seeds of Contemplation
Thomas Merton and Sue Monk Kidd
What's inside?
Explore the depths of spirituality and self-discovery through profound contemplation and introspection, guided by the wisdom of Thomas Merton.
You'll learn
Key points
01The importance of solitude and silence in contemplation
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to get lost in the noise. The constant chatter of social media, the incessant demands of work, the never-ending to-do lists - it's enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. But amidst all this chaos, there's a quiet place within each of us, a sanctuary where we can retreat and find peace. This is the realm of contemplation, a spiritual journey that takes us beyond the surface of our lives and into the depths of our souls. Contemplation is more than just a mental exercise. It's a voyage of self-discovery, a quest for self-awareness, and a profound connection with the divine. It's about peeling back the layers of our identities, stripping away the masks we wear, and confronting the raw, unvarnished truth of who we are. And in this process of self-exploration, we can find personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Understanding oneself is a crucial part of contemplation. It's about acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, our hopes and fears, our dreams and desires. It's about looking in the mirror and seeing not just our physical selves, but our emotional and spiritual selves as well. And through this self-discovery and self-awareness, we can gain a deeper understanding of our place in the world and our relationship with the divine. But to embark on this journey of contemplation, we need solitude. Solitude is not about being alone; it's about being alone with oneself. It's about creating a space where we can disconnect from the distractions of the outside world and focus on our inner selves. In this solitude, we can engage in introspection, reflect on our lives, and embark on the journey of self-discovery. Silence, too, plays a crucial role in contemplation. But silence is more than just the absence of noise. It's a state of inner quietude, a tranquility that allows us to listen to our inner voice and connect with the divine. In the silence, we can hear the whispers of our souls, the murmurs of our hearts, and the echoes of the divine. And in this silence, we can foster a contemplative mindset, a state of being that leads to a profound sense of peace and spiritual connection. So, as we navigate the noise and chaos of our lives, let's remember the importance of solitude and silence in the process of contemplation. Let's carve out spaces of solitude in our busy schedules, and cultivate moments of silence in our noisy days. And in these spaces and moments, let's embark on the journey of contemplation, a journey that can lead us to personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and a profound sense of peace.
02Discovering the 'True Self' through Contemplation
We all wear masks. We put on a brave face at work, a happy face at parties, and a calm face at home, even when we're feeling anything but brave, happy, or calm. We play roles that society expects us to play, often at the expense of our own authenticity. This is what we call the 'false self' - a version of ourselves that is shaped by societal expectations and norms, rather than our own core values and beliefs. The 'false self' is like a chameleon, changing colors to blend in with its surroundings. It's the version of you that nods and smiles when your boss proposes a new project, even though you're already overwhelmed with work. It's the version of you that laughs at a friend's joke, even though you didn't find it funny. It's the version of you that says 'yes' when you really want to say 'no'. The 'false self' is a survival mechanism, helping us navigate societal pressures and expectations. But in the process, it can also obscure our true identities. On the other hand, the 'true self' is the version of you that is authentic, genuine, and in alignment with your core values and beliefs. It's the version of you that feels at peace when you're alone, not because you're avoiding people, but because you're comfortable in your own skin. It's the version of you that speaks up for what you believe in, even when it's unpopular. It's the version of you that chooses to do what's right, even when it's hard. Embracing our 'true self' leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life, as we're no longer living in constant conflict with our own values and beliefs. Contemplation plays a crucial role in this journey of self-discovery. It's a process of quiet introspection, where we look beyond the masks we wear and the roles we play, and uncover our 'true self'. Contemplation is not about finding quick answers or solutions. It's about asking the right questions, and being patient enough to listen to the answers that emerge from within. It's about peeling back the layers of our 'false self', one by one, until we're left with our 'true self'. The journey of self-discovery is not an overnight transformation. It's a gradual process, filled with challenges and rewards. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to confront our own fears and insecurities. But the rewards are well worth the effort. As we shed our 'false self' and embrace our 'true self', we experience a sense of freedom and fulfillment that is truly liberating. So, how do we embark on this journey of self-discovery? Start by setting aside some time each day for contemplation. It could be as simple as sitting quietly for a few minutes, or as complex as a structured meditation practice. The key is to create a space where you can be alone with your thoughts, without any distractions or interruptions. Use this time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and desires. Ask yourself: "Am I living in alignment with my 'true self', or am I playing a role that society expects me to play?" In conclusion, shedding the 'false self' and embracing the 'true self' is not just about personal growth and self-improvement. It's about living authentically, in alignment with our core values and beliefs. It's about finding peace and fulfillment in being who we truly are, rather than who society expects us to be. So, take off your mask, step out of your role, and embark on your own journey of self-discovery. The 'true self' is waiting to be discovered.

Continue reading with LeapAhead app
Full summary is waiting for you in the app
03The Importance of Faith and Love in Contemplative Life
04The Pitfalls and Purpose of Contemplation
05"The Role of Contemplatives in Social Change"
06How to cultivate a contemplative mindset?
07Conclusion
About Thomas Merton and Sue Monk Kidd
Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk, writer, and social activist known for his exploration of spirituality and social justice. Sue Monk Kidd is a renowned American author, best known for her novels "The Secret Life of Bees" and "The Invention of Wings".