The Tree of Contemplative Practices

[Kind of Blue]

"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.

Any activities not included on this Tree (including those which may seem more mundane, such as gardening, eating, or taking a bath) are a contemplative practice when done with the intent of cultivating awareness, or developing a stronger connection with God or one's inner wisdom. We offer a free download of a blank Tree so that you can customize it and include your own practices."
http://www.contemplativemind.org/practices/tree.html

[laylah]

1. Thank you for posting this! nt

[Kind of Blue]

2. ...

[Lucinda]

3. Love this. And thankie for the website link. Will poke around there later.

:)

[Kind of Blue]

4. ...

:pals:

[Why Syzygy]

5. More Awesome-ness :) nt

[Kind of Blue]

7. ...

[rosesaylavee]

6. Oh, I just love this!

Thank you for posting!

[Kind of Blue]

8. ...

:pals:

[OneGrassRoot]

9. Very cool.

Awesome site. Thank you, Dear KoB.

:hi:

:hug:

[Kind of Blue]

11. ...

:fistbump:

[kimmerspixelated]

10. Oh, this I like.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

[Kind of Blue]

12. ...

:headbang:

[GliderGuider]

13. Fabulous! Thank you! And a question...

Where would the use of entheogens fit on that tree? The use of ayahuasca or peyote in an indigenous setting would probably fit under "ritual practices", but what about the more open-framed use of them in Western culture? LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, DMT, salvia and even MDMA, when used with intention provide extremely powerful connective/awareness/mystical experiences with long-lasting positive consequences for one's spiritual path. It seems a shame not to acknowledge the role of God-molecules in our practice.

Or not?

[OneGrassRoot]

14. I just have to tell you....

That whenever I read one of your posts, I inevitably have to visit the online dictionary and/or Wikipedia...:rofl:

That's a GOOD thing!

You're brilliant.

:hug:

[GliderGuider]

15. I have to let you in on a secret

I fake it - it's all in the tone of voice ;-)

Thank you, and I think you dropped a hug back there - I picked it up for you. :hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

16. ....

:hug:

:hi:

[Kind of Blue]

17. Thanks for bringing this up!

It is one practice I think I understand but haven't investigated on a practical level. I've been reading the tons about it at Reality Sandwich http://www.realitysandwich.com/tags/view/ayahuasca But I have a feeling that it may be too much for me.

It is interesting that perhaps the oldest path, it seems on just about every culture, is not listed in the tree. But then again, I think the diagram is just a starting point urging the viewer to download a blank one and fill in one's own. And perhaps the site doesn't include it because they do have a law program - "to integrate contemplative perspective into legal education, law practice, and the judicial process to create a more just, compassionate, reflective, and sustainable society." And with this country's intense prohibition on drugs, they're probably being mighty careful :)

Oh yes, I definitely agree it falls in the ritual practices category.

[GliderGuider]

18. Frankly, from what I've read, ayahuasca might be a bit too much for my old bones.

I've never taken anything in a ritual setting, and a lot of the natural materials seem pretty hard on the old bod (not to mention the mind or whatever it is I think I think with).

I came of age in the '60s and the seed of oneness was planted very deep in my consciousness back then. Even though I didn't have the language for it and the set and setting were totally f'ed up, the doors of perception, once opened, can never be closed again. I remember having one of my first deep unitary experiences in meditation fairly recently, then remembering a few transcendent trips from back then and thinking, "Huh, so this is what that was all about!"

One of my deepest regrets for Western civilization is that the use of sacred materials was so utterly banned. Yes, we're still getting there and causing change as we go, but it's an arduous process. It makes a hell of an impression to be able to think about meeting God and an instant later hear Him/Her/Them/It/Me ask, "How may I be of service?"

[Kind of Blue]

19. Interesting discussion here on DMT: Near Death

and Mystical Experiences, “Alien Abductions”, and its Role in Everyday Life http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2289762#2292477
From which came this link about a documentary, Stepping Into The Fire, about ayuaska. Trailer for the movie here at http://vimeo.com/14610690

[GliderGuider]

20. Thanks!

I've downloaded the PDF of Strassman's book, and I'm just about to put a comment on that thread.

What's that in the air? It smells like 1965...

[Kind of Blue]

21. LOLOL...

I always envied the young people at the time and couldn't wait to grow up to join them :rofl: Alas, I was too late but at least we can read and enjoy some serious investigations.

[GliderGuider]

24. That turned into one huge, fascinating thread.

I even discovered another DUer who is aware that reality is co-created...

Very, very cool stuff.

[Kind of Blue]

25. Good Lord, is it ever!

Where to begin?!? Really though, I saw you popping up several times and read those - thank you! It's too bad for the debunkers because the research isn't going to disappear and we're not shutting up about it either.

[silverweb]

22. This is wonderful!

Thank you so much for posting.

[Kind of Blue]

23. You're welcome, Silverweb!

I'm so glad you like it. It's such a nice little organizing tool. Many times, I forget that so much of what we do is a worthwhile practice :hug: :hug: :hug: