There are a lot of tents in the Christian camp. Aside from the myriad denominations, there are other labels such as Evangelical, Social Activist, Traditionalist, Progressive, Fundamental, Orthodox, Liberal, on and on.

I’ve never been much of a label person but the tent I want to dwell in is the one where the Contemplatives live. I decided to make this official when I ran across this quote, “For the Contemplative, everything is important. Everything is sacred.”

The Contemplative way is ancient and its basic practices are:
– Prayer that makes requests known but also listens and is often simply silent in the presence.
– Reading Scripture and other spiritual writings in hope of being formed by them as opposed to simply being informed by them.
– Seeing without judging or grading. Paying attention. Seeing as is, seeking to be aware.
– Listening to the sacred story of others, especially those that often aren’t heard.
– Pondering God’s first language, creation.
– Seeking justice for all.
– Loving kindness, embodying graciousness.
– Remaining humble. Remembering, as Richard Rohr says, that your point view is simply the view from your point in the universe.
– Believing that God is found inside our lives. In our hearts more than in our heads.
– Living simply.

As I ponder this list, two things jump out at me. First, the realization that I am not a very good contemplative, I just want to be one. Second, this way of life does have political and social implications. This way of life pushes one toward nonviolence, restorative justice, doing for others as we would have them do for us on a local and global level, and toward gentle care for the planet.

Yep. I’ve never been much of a joiner and I usually resist labels but I think this is one I want to grow into. I’m guessing the way to do that is practice.