The Tree of Contemplative Practices

The Tree of Contemplative Practices

The Tree illustrates some of the contemplative practices that have been developed over the past few thousand years.

On the Tree of Contemplative Practices, the roots symbolize the two intentions that are the foundation of all contemplative practices: cultivating awareness and developing a stronger connection to God, the divine, or inner wisdom. The roots of the tree encompass and transcend differences in the religious traditions from which many of the practices originated, and allow room for the inclusion of new practices that are being created in secular contexts.

The branches represent the different groupings of practices. For example, Stillness Practices focus on quieting the mind and body in order to develop calmness and focus. Generative Practices come in many different forms (i.e. prayers, visualizations, chanting) but share the common intent of generating thoughts and feelings of devotion and compassion, rather than calming and quieting the mind.

Many of the practices work well with one another. For example, groups may start a meeting with a few minutes of silence and then move into a council circle.

Activities not included on the tree (gardening, practicing a musical instrument, taking a bath) could be considered a contemplative practice when done with the intent of cultivating awareness, or developing a stronger connection with God or one's inner wisdom.