What makes a practice contemplative?

There is an intriguing paradox central to mindfulness and contemplative practices. On one hand, we can identify certain key practices—mindfulness meditation, yoga, qigong—that most would agree are contemplative practices. On the other hand, almost any activity can be transformed into a contemplative practice, whether it’s the full-bodied euphoria of dancing or the mundane simplicity of handwashing dishes.

In scientific circles, this recognition has led some to give up on the possibility of clearly defining a contemplative practice, leaving the field in a position where certain contemplative practices and traditions are honored, respected, and studied, while others are underrepresented. Equally concerning, without any boundary conditions for distinguishing contemplative practices from other activities, there is a risk of an “anything goes” mentality in which all contemplative practices are considered equally beneficial and our own contemplative practice is whatever we claim it to be.

In this talk, I present a different approach. A clear definition of contemplative practice is not only possible—it matters. By clearly describing the essential elements and boundary conditions of contemplative practices, we find a much more diverse and wide-ranging landscape of possible practices and approaches to contemplative training. On a personal level, this can inspire us to rethink, refine, and expand our own practices. Collectively, this new approach reveals pathways for fostering a more inclusive mindfulness movement throughout society.