As we travel through this life we come to many crossroads in our quest for personal growth. We are faced with the need to make decisions regarding our direction, which will ultimately affect our mind, body, and soul. How can we wisely choose between the options presented to us? Since many of these decisions have the potential to change my life, perhaps dramatically, I would obviously prefer to make a well-considered choice.

 

    One of the ways we learn is by experience. Past decisions may have caused pain and we want to avoid similar "bad" decisions, while another was rewarding and we would like to duplicate that experience. This is, in part, our physical reaction to the world. Then there are the emotional responses to pain and pleasure, which evoke similar reactions. These are much more subtle and at times harder to discern in regards to whether or not they were truly beneficial to us. An emotionally painful experience may have indeed led to our growth, and to have avoided it may have just delayed the inevitable.

 

    What are we seeking as we travel through this life? Is it simply the avoidance of pain and the gathering of pleasure? What does that say of the soul? What about our spirituality, is that not a matter of self-discovery too? Our personal growth needs to be inclusive of all aspects of our being, with diligence applied to our whole being. How do we go about that? As I stated when I started two weeks ago, we need to periodically examine who and what we are, as well as where we are going.

 

    This points to the need to ponder our experience and being. In other words, at times, we need to give our focused, dedicated, attention to considering where we've been and where it is that we are going. We need to meditate upon the lessons we've learned. The human mind includes all of the subconscious aspects of our being and behavior, and we need to tap into that aspect to help us discern the answers we seek. This vast storehouse of experience and intelligence can help us to bring about changes we desire in our lives. This may also be considered a way of "spiritual thinking".

 

    I, for example, may contemplate the love of God. To do so I would focus my attention on a question such as, "How is the love of God demonstrated?" I would then think of all the ways I could that answer that question, and what they mean. In terms of my own spiritual growth I may contemplate whether or not my life reflects the love of God, or will a certain action I may take benefit or harm me, or someone else. When I wrote regarding wisdom, I stated that wisdom was, "having knowledge, understanding, experience, and intuitive understanding, along with the capacity to apply those qualities."

 

    Contemplation helps in tapping into those aspects of our being, so that we can apply the lessons that we have and are learning. So take some time on occasion and learn the art of contemplation, and you will benefit greatly from the practice, and increase your potential in all aspects of your life. May you find peace and joy on your journey. If you would like to share any comments or suggestions, please feel free to e-mail me at wmallet1@gmail.com . I look forward to hearing from you!