Contemplation does not require effort in a physical sense, nor a disciplined subjection of thought and mind like Eastern meditation, but rather a gentle redirection of our imaginative focus. Unlike meditation, which leads to a still and passive state, contemplation is active, dynamic, and serves as a gateway that opens a much wider door of experience – one that can lead us on fantastically rich inner journeys to indescribable and even unimaginable places.
Sitting up or lying down at home, or somewhere in nature, choose a place where you feel safe and comfortable. Before beginning, give permission by asking the Universe, your inner spiritual guide, or, if you don’t have one, directly inviting Spirit to take you on a journey for your upliftment. You may ask, “Teacher, show me truth,” or “Show me love,” or “Show me that which will help me become a more open and loving person,” or anything else you feel moved to ask.
Close your outer eyes, take a few deep breaths, sing HU or anything that uplifts you, then gently relax and surrender. Open your heart to love. Now use your imagination to paint yourself into any specific environment of your choosing. It may be a mountaintop, the oceanside, or a garden pond. Focus on the details. What does this inner place look like? How does the air feel against your skin? What sounds and scents can your senses perceive? Try going for a stroll or even try to fly. Lose yourself in the reality of this world.
After a time, the outer world will fade away as you become absorbed in this new reality.
While contemplation may begin in our imagination, with practice we are soon inwardly guided into very vivid and remarkable experiences, often in full consciousness. In a modern spiritual path with ancient roots known as ECKANKAR, the term “Soul Travel” is used to describe this inner movement of consciousness. Many experience deeply profound and life-altering Soul Travel journeys, and for the first time discover what it means to have spiritual freedom. By devoting as little as 20 minutes a day to this practice – known in ECKANKAR as a “Spiritual Exercise” – we sharpen our focus and our skills as we learn to explore our inner realms. Know that you are protected and loved, and that no harm will come to you while traveling.
Unlike what most religions expound, Soul does not have to wait for the death of the physical body to experience the heavenly worlds. And when we are ready, each of us will be graced with Soul’s most sacred experience – to reunite with the divine creative current of Light and Sound.
Since our sojourn in the lower worlds began, it has always been Soul’s destiny to reconnect and ride the return flow of this river of love back home to the Source of all life. When we return from our journey in the regions beyond time, space, and polarity, and open our outer eyes again, we will never be the same.
If you are adventurous and interested in learning more about Soul Travel and inner guidance, feel free to check out ECKANKAR, the Path of Spiritual Freedom.
https://www.eckankar.org/