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A Personal Practice - meditation is not the only way

The Tree is a highly effective visual tool that conveys the diversity of contemplative practices and assists people to find a practice that meets their needs. As one woman said, “It was a revelation to me that meditation wasn’t the only way. Choosing a different branch enabled me to finally find a practice that worked for me.” In this one-hour interactive webinar with the Tree’s creator, Maia Duerr, you’ll learn about the inspiration and story behind the concept, as well as ways to use it with colleagues, students–even yourself. You’ll learn how to guide people through a process where they use the Tree to explore: - What is a “practice” and how can it change your life? - Why are the roots the most important part of this Tree? - What are the 7 branches of the Tree, and what kinds of practices are on each branch? - What practices resonate with you? How can you begin integrating them into your daily life

The Tree of Contemplative Practices

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.

The branches represent the different groupings of practices. For example, Stillness Practices focus on quieting the mind and body in order to develop calmness and focus. Generative Practices come in many different forms (i.e. prayers, visualizations, chanting) but share the common intent of generating thoughts and feelings of devotion and compassion, rather than calming and quieting the mind.

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.

Downloading and Reprinting the Tree

You may use the tree for personal and non-commercial purposes. For example, please feel free to use it to illustrate an academic paper, post it on your blog, or display it in your organization’s meditation room.

The Tree of Contemplative Practices is a copyrighted image. Commercial use, including derivative work, is not permitted.

If the tree is published or presented in non-commercial use, you must mention The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society as the copyright holder of the image (the downloadable files, below, already contain this information as part of the image).

Please contact us at info@contemplativemind.org if you have questions regarding the use of the tree.
Thank you!

For printing: Download a 1.32 MB, 8″ x 10″ .gif image of the Tree of Contemplative Practices

For low-resolution use: Download a 120 KB, 600 x 788 pixel .gif image of the Tree of Contemplative Practices

Filed Under: inner PRACTICE Tagged With: center of contemplative mind in society, spiritual practice, tree

God sleeps in the stone, Breathes through the trees, Dreams with the animal, and Awakes in us.

Tree of contemplative practices

Interactive Webinar - 1 hour

In this one-hour interactive webinar with the Tree’s creator, Maia Duerr, you’ll learn about the inspiration and story behind the concept, as well as ways to use it with colleagues, students–even yourself. You’ll learn how to guide people through a process where they use the Tree to explore: - What is a “practice” and how can it change your life? - Why are the roots the most important part of this Tree? - What are the 7 branches of the Tree, and what kinds of practices are on each branch? - What practices resonate with you? How can you begin integrating them into your daily life?