One of the biggest misconceptions about meditation is that you are supposed to clear your mind of all thoughts. In fact, the opposite is true. Meditation involves deliberate, focused attention on something such as your breath, a mantra – or a question. 

This means that when you are struggling with something, you can find the answer to a moral dilemma or get direction about your next move through meditation. 

This form of meditation is suitable for all, regardless of religious or spiritual belief. You can do it even if you are an atheist – we all have an intuitive instinct which gives us advice. Contemplation meditation allows you to tune into that inner voice or open yourself up to divine guidance, depending on your personal belief system, so that you can get answers and insights into your questions. 

Simply find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for however long you want to meditation and make yourself comfortable. Close your eyes and focus on your breath for a few inhalations as you centre yourself. When you are ready, focus on the question(s) you want to ask. Sit quietly and listen to whatever response comes up. Let the thoughts flow. You may like to have your journal to hand to write the answers as they come or wait until you’re finished to note them down. 

Ask the question again, once more sitting with whatever answers you get. Repeat this for as many times as you need until you feel you have all the answers you want. Be open to possibilities – you may be surprised at what you receive, but this is where a journal is so useful. You can come back to your records in the future and gain deeper understandings with the benefit of hindsight. This will also help you develop trust in the messages you get during contemplation meditation. 

You can use this technique to ask about deep and meaningful issues, but you can also turn to it for daily guidance and support. The more you use it, the more you will discover about yourself, taking you further down the road to self-awareness.

Have you tried contemplation meditation? I’d love to hear about your experiences!