Ideas for Contemplative Practices in Everyday Life

This is a very small list of ideas for contemplative practices in everyday life. I hope to keep returning to this post to update it. If you would like to add a practice, please comment below and I will be happy to add it.

Take a walk – observe nature, feel the air around you, feel the sun warming your body.

Walk a pet – let your animal lead you (within limits), wonder how your pet may be taking in the walk and appreciating the exercise and your presence.

Drive in Silence – silence your phone, music, and audiobooks or place your phone in the back,  pay attention to the road, surroundings, and other drivers.

Exercise – start a 30 day work out challenge and let your goal be “don’t quit.”

Facial Cleaning – before bedtime, take the time to appreciate your skin by cleansing it and being compassionate toward blemishes and imperfections.

Daily Examen before bed – guide yourself through a 24-hour reflection of your day.

Observe Nature – sit on your porch, take a hike,  walk around your garden, observe new growth,  new life,  what needs pruning, weeding, or water.

Pause before entering a full house – close your eyes, take a breath, and notice how you are feeling. Use this as a guage to how you want to interact with those inside. Know how you are coming in so you will be mindful not to project.

Washing Dishes – if you must handwash, think about those who have dirtied the dishes. Hold them in silent prayer and see if a blessing arises. If so, pronounce the blessing audibly.

Cleaning the House – What is dirty? What needs attention the most? Find your supplies,  put on your cleaning clothes, and take a deep breath. Find something to be grateful for. Are you grateful for your home? For the cleaning supplies? For the ability to clean? Let the gratitude wash over you as you wash the dirt from your home.

Grief – this happens unexpectedly and even abruptly at times. Take a moment to pause. Access your situation.  Can you pause to tend to your heart? If so, take the pause.  Your body is telling you that you need this.

Art – clean, dry, and paint a brick. Reflect on your day. What feelings did you feel? Select a color that symbolizes your mood and begin to paint with each color that surfaces. When finished, set the brick in your garden. Each time you pass by the brick, use it as a reminder to reflect on the range of emotions you actually felt throughout your day.

If you can add more to this list, please comment below! I’d love to hear more.