Here is a writing in the form of a musical/poetic/visual meditation that is my gathered thoughts on the essence of what contemplation is all about. It is inspirited by the first two chapters in Seeds of Contemplation, by Thomas Merton. Merton spends one chapter on determining what contemplation is not, and one chapter offering thoughts of what it might be. 

To break up the claims of contemplation, there is a repeated phrase. May grace abide. For Love is the Measure. 'May grace abide' is the simplest of blessings and one I often use to sign correspondence. We are so in need of grace these days, I never want to miss the chance to spread some around.  'For love is the measure' was the focal point for Dorothy Day's spiritual life, and a very fine spiritual life it was too.

I am here playing with the idea of visuals and music.  I recorded this prayer/meditation with my husband Bruce improvising on keyboards in response. I left it entirely to him to find his way. He tells me he was playing 'may grace abide. love is the measure' and then trailing off from there. I love this back and forth between voice and piano. It is so restful, thoughtful, sweet - endless gratitude for my husband's exquisite playing, and the grace with which he turns the studio over to me for my forays into the unknown.

May grace abide between us as you consider the many facets of contemplation. 

May grace abide. For Love is the Measure.

MAY GRACE ABIDE. FOR LOVE IS THE MEASURE.

MAY GRACE ABIDE. FOR LOVE IS THE MEASURE.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

Contemplation is an art form requiring an opening of the senses to that beyond

what we immediately perceive in any given situation.

MAY GRACE ABIDE. FOR LOVE IS THE MEASURE.

Like all the arts it co creates with a source beyond what is humanly known, blending inspiration with the skills and gifts of the one who is able to perceive the yet unimagined.

MAY GRACE ABIDE. FOR LOVE IS THE MEASURE.

Contemplation is a discipline of the highest order.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

contemplation requires the resistance to follow conventional modes of doing and thinking.

MAY GRACE ABIDE. FOR LOVE IS THE MEASURE.

Contemplation requires the courage to STEEP ONESELF IN THE OTHERNESS THAT IN THE

JUDEO CHRISTIAN TRADITION WE HAVE NAMED GOD,

BUT MAY ALSO BE SPOKEN OF AS THE SACREDNESS OF LIFE.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

CONTEMPLATION THAT IS NOT SELF PROPELLED.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

contemplation moves from the circumstances and relationships,

or potential relationships, that are presented.

MAY GRACE ABIDE. FOR LOVE IS THE MEASURE.

The art of contemplation surrenders any primordial claim on outcome.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

Time takes on a dimension not ordered by the human clock.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS INVOLVED DOES NOT TAKE PLACE IN THE SOLE SANCTITY OF THE HUMAN MIND. 

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS RESULTS FROM A LINING UP OF THE human heartbeat

WITH THE HEARTBEAT OF CREATION ITSELF.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

COMPASSIONATE ACTION IS ITS INEVITABLE OUTCOME.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

A devotion to peace is its natural heir.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

a focus ON THE ART AND DISCIPLINE OF CONTEMPLATION IS A REVOLUTIONARY ACT. 

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

CONTEMPLATION works alongside our daily routines, in the midst of work and worry.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

contemplation is crucial in times of stress, violence and despair.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

CONTEMPLATION IS THE MIDWIFE OF DEEP JOYFULNESS AND CONTENTMENT.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

CONTEMPLATION IS AN INTENTIONAL WAY OF BEING THAT BRINGS US FULLY ALIVE TO WONDEr.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

THE ART AND DISCIPLINE OF CONTEMPLATION IS NOT AS A PLACE OF ESCAPE.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

contemplation provides a grounded place to begin all DIALOGUES WITH THE

INTENTION OF PEACE AND RESOLUTION. 

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

MAY I BE ATTENTIVE TO THE CREATIVE SPIRit that is the heart of contemplation.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.

may grace abide. for love is the measure.