the opposite of contemplation is not action – it is reaction*
Richard Rohr

The great tragedy of speed as an answer to complexities and responsibilities of existence is that very soon we cannot recognise anything or anyone who is not travelling at the same velocity as we are.**
David Whyte

Without a contemplative practice, we are
more likely to react than respond, and
initiating – the option no one thought of – is
even further beyond our reach;
The enemy of contemplation is speed,
Including busyness that has us
missing so much, perhaps
even the things we should be about
instead of what we are doing.

Contemplation begins alone,
Then involves others, and must always be
translated into imaginative action;
The great thing is that contemplation doesn’t
cost us a penny, and we have a whole new year
to try it out,
Perhaps writing a journal,
Or maybe walking, or
being still in nature, or
a gallery or some blank space –
Whatever works,
Have fun experimenting.

*Richard Rohr’s Immortal Diamond;
**David Whyte’s Crossing the Unknown Sea.