Spirituality and Prayer Life in the Ancient Faithਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 6: Contemplation and Stillness

Orthodoxy emphasizes inner stillness and contemplation, and this practice helps us to be more aware of God's presence and to hear His voice. This tradition has deep roots in Orthodox Christian spirituality, tracing back to the Desert Fathers of the 4th and 5th centuries.

Stillness is not just about external silence, but about cultivating an inner stillness that allows for a deeper communion with God. It's a practice that engages the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, in the pursuit of union with God. This tradition teaches that through stillness and contemplation, we can experience the uncreated light of God, as the apostles did during the Transfiguration of Christ.

The practice of stillness involves several key elements:

1. Physical stillness: Finding a quiet place and adopting a comfortable, stable posture. This often involves sitting with the head bowed and eyes closed or focused on an icon.
2. Control of breathing: Slow, rhythmic breathing is used to help calm the body and focus the mind. This is often coordinated with the Jesus Prayer.
3. The Jesus Prayer: The repetition of the prayer "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" is central to this practice. This prayer is used to focus the mind and heart on God.
4. Guarding of the heart: This involves being vigilant about thoughts and emotions, not allowing them to disturb the inner quiet.
5. Descent of the mind into the heart: This is a key concept in stillness and contemplation, where the mind is brought into the heart, uniting the whole person in prayer.

The goal of these practices is not to achieve some altered state of consciousness, but to create the conditions for a deep, personal encounter with God. It's about becoming fully present to the presence of God that is always with us, but which we often fail to perceive due to the noise and distractions of our lives and minds.

For beginners, the practice of contemplation and stillness can seem daunting. It's important to start small and be patient with yourself. Here are some practical steps to begin:

1. Set aside a specific time each day for silent prayer. Start with just 5-10 minutes and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
2. Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. This could be a corner of your room, a chapel, or even a peaceful outdoor spot.
3. Sit comfortably with your back straight. You might find it helpful to use a prayer rope to keep your hands occupied and help you focus.
4. Begin with a few deep breaths to help calm your body and mind.
5. Slowly and reverently repeat the Jesus Prayer, either silently or in a whisper. Don't rush; let each word resonate within you.
6. When thoughts come (and they will), don't fight them. Simply acknowledge them and gently return your focus to the prayer. Maybe even keep a notepad and pencil nearby so you can write whatever thought comes to your mind and deal with it afterwards.
7. If you find the Jesus Prayer difficult at first, you might start by simply sitting in silence, focusing on a short phrase like "Lord, have mercy" or even just the name "Jesus."

Remember, the goal is not to empty your mind completely, but to fill it with the presence of God. It's not about achieving a particular experience, but about opening yourself to God's transforming grace.

As you practice, you may encounter challenges. Distractions, boredom, and restlessness are common, especially at first. Don't be discouraged; these are normal parts of the process. Even experienced practitioners face these challenges. The key is to persist gently and patiently.

Over time, as you grow in this practice, you may find that the stillness and awareness you cultivate during your set prayer times begin to extend into other parts of your day. You might find yourself more aware of God's presence in everyday moments, more able to respond to life's challenges with calm and grace.

It's important to note that while stillness has specific techniques associated with it, the broader practice of contemplation and stillness is not limited to these. Any practice that helps you quiet your mind and open your heart to God's presence can be a form of contemplation. This might include meditating on Scripture, gazing at an icon, or simply sitting silently before and after partaking of the Eucharist.

As with all aspects of Orthodox Christian spirituality, it's crucial to practice contemplation and stillness under the guidance of a spiritual father or mother. They can help you navigate the challenges that arise and ensure that your practice is developing in a healthy way.

Today, set aside time for silent prayer. Find a quiet place and simply be still before God. Don't worry about formulating prayers; just rest in His presence. As you do this, remember the words of Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God." In this stillness, may you become more aware of the God who is always present, always loving, always calling you into deeper communion with Him.

Reflection: In a world filled with noise, hurry, and constant distraction, the Orthodox Christian tradition’s call to inner stillness is both countercultural and healing. The Desert Fathers discovered that true communion with God begins in silence…not just the absence of sound, but the quieting of our hearts and minds. This stillness is not an escape from life, but a way to become fully present to God, to ourselves, and to others. When we practice stillness, whether through the Jesus Prayer, silent meditation, or simply sitting before an icon, we make space for God to speak and act within us. We learn to let go of anxious thoughts and rest in His loving presence. As Isaac the Syrian says, “Silence is the mystery of the age to come, but words are the instruments of this world.” Stillness is a discipline that takes time and patience. Distractions will come, but each return to God’s presence is an act of love and faith. Over time, this quiet awareness can begin to permeate our daily life, helping us to respond to challenges with peace and to recognize God’s presence in every moment.

Prayer: O Lord, You are found not in the earthquake or the fire, but in the still, small voice. Grant me the grace to seek You in silence and to rest in Your presence. Quiet my anxious thoughts and fill my heart with Your peace. Help me to be attentive to Your voice and to abide in Your love, today and always. Amen.