Learning the Steps of the Contemplative Process

In the Christian spiritual life, contemplation is not simply silence or stillness—it is communion. It is the art of intentionally directing one’s awareness toward the presence of God with reverence, focus, and love. To become a contemplative is to enter into a relationship with the Divine that is deeper than thought, deeper than words, and deeply rooted in both awareness (mindfulness) and creative intimacy (imagination).

Cultivating these twin faculties is not optional—they are essential. For the contemplative, the interior life is shaped and opened through the gradual development of attentiveness (mindfulness) and the sacred use of holy imagination. These are not techniques borrowed from psychology or Eastern thought—they are gifts of God woven into the human spirit, to be sanctified and offered back in the process of prayerful communion.

Mindfulness and Imagination: Sacred Tools of the Interior Life

Mindfulness Definition

1. The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
2. A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.

In Christian contemplation, mindfulness becomes the inward stillness that prepares us for divine encounter. It is the foundation of attention that allows us to remain present to God’s voice and activity.

Imagination Definition

1. The faculty or action of forming new ideas, images, or concepts of external objects not present to the senses.
2. The ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful.

Holy imagination, sanctified by faith and guided by Scripture, is the contemplative’s canvas. It allows the soul to enter prayer stories, visualize biblical scenes, and spiritually perceive what the heart longs for—the face of Christ, the nearness of heaven, the love of God.

Mindfulness and Imagination in the Contemplative Journey

Mindfulness and imagination, when developed together, become sacred tools for opening the soul to divine transformation. The contemplative doesn’t merely think about God; he or she enters into scenes, places, and prayers in a deeply personal way. This inner pilgrimage requires training—learning to still the mind, to sharpen the spiritual senses, and to dwell within the story of grace.

For example, when a contemplative prays through a Gospel scene, they must first become mindful—aware of breath, surroundings, body tension, and distractions. Then, imagination is engaged to visualize the setting, to hear the wind, to see the light on the Sea of Galilee, to feel the sand underfoot. Later, they may step into the story itself—walking with Jesus, hearing His voice, sitting at His feet. This type of contemplation is not mere daydreaming—it is encounter.

This process takes time and repetition. But like any sacred practice, these skills become more natural with devotion and grace.

Exercises in Mindfulness: Training the Heart to Be Present

The following exercises help train the contemplative to remain awake, alert, and spiritually sensitive throughout the day.

1. Breath and Body Awareness

At intervals throughout the day, pause. Breathe in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Let the breath slow the heart. Notice the temperature of the air, the feeling of your body in space. Stop the inner chatter and simply be. Breathe the name of Jesus with each exhale. Lord Jesus… Christ… have mercy… on me.

2. Walking Mindfulness

As you walk—whether outdoors or indoors—slow your pace. Let your steps become rhythmic and intentional. What do you see? What do you hear? Smell? Feel? Touch the world with awareness, knowing that God is present in the ordinary. Let each footfall become a prayer.

3. Nature Watching

Sit or stand in a favorite natural place—a garden, a trail, a quiet shore. Gaze without hurrying. Watch clouds, leaves, birds, light. Receive the beauty with open senses. Let creation preach. Thank God for His artistry. Invite His Spirit to speak through stillness.

Exercises in Visualization and Imagination: Entering Holy Spaces

Imaginative contemplation, practiced carefully and prayerfully, allows the heart to enter into the reality of God with reverence and creativity.

1. The Cross of Christ

Sit quietly. Breathe deeply. Visualize the Cross of Jesus before you. Make it vivid—wood grain, shadows, nails, blood, the surrounding sky. See the scene unfold. What do you feel as you behold the Cross? Sorrow? Love? Gratitude? Remain for 10 seconds at first. Build slowly to one minute. Allow the image to draw you into prayer.

2. The Interior Chapel

Imagine a small stone chapel. You enter quietly. There is an altar, candles, stained glass, the smell of incense. What do you see? Hear? Feel? Smell? Make this space your sacred interior retreat. Return often in your imagination to pray, confess, worship.

3. The Garden with Jesus – Silent Presence

Picture yourself seated on a bench in a peaceful garden—flowers, a river, soft wind. Now, see Jesus come and sit beside you. Do not speak. Simply remain. Sense His presence. Let love be exchanged in silence. Dwell in this scene for one minute. Let your soul rest.

4. Seeing Yourself with Jesus

Now visualize the same scene from outside yourself—see yourself seated with Jesus. Watch the peace between you. Behold the beauty of your communion with Him. Let it minister to your heart.

5. Dialogue with the Lord

Return again to the garden scene. This time, begin a conversation. Speak freely to Jesus. Ask questions. Listen for responses. Let the dialogue unfold in love. Stay as long as the grace lasts. Afterward, journal your experience. Write honestly. What was said? What did you feel? What might God be showing you? Pray over what you’ve written.

Closing Reflection: Becoming Still to Be Transformed

Contemplation is not an escape from reality. It is the deepest encounter with reality—the reality of God’s presence, God’s Word, and God’s love for you. Through the practice of mindfulness and imagination, the Christian soul learns to abide in Christ more fully.

St. Teresa of Ávila once said, “We need no wings to go in search of Him, but have only to look upon Him present within us.”⁽¹⁾
And St. Ignatius taught that “we find God in all things.”⁽²⁾

This path may be slow and at times difficult, but it is always sacred. As you learn these steps—through breath, awareness, holy imagining, and prayer—know that you are not alone. Christ is already present. He waits not only at the end of the contemplative path but at every step along the way.

Footnotes
1. Teresa of Ávila, The Way of Perfection, trans. E. Allison Peers (Image Books, 1964).
2. St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises, c. 1548.

What is Contemplation?

Etymology Insights into Contemplation

Christian Contemplation Introduction

The Contemplative Process

The Differences between Meditation and Contemplation