What are the three examples of contemplative practices?
Common forms include meditation (e.g., transcendental meditation, contemplative meditation, breathing meditation), mindfulness, Tai Chi/Qigong, yoga and prayer, often practiced twenty minutes or more, once or twice daily, but can extend into daily life as well. Only 8 weeks of daily meditation can decrease negative mood and anxiety and improve attention, working memory, and recognition memory in non-experienced meditators. These findings come from a recent study published in Behavioural Brain Research. In its simplest form, a contemplative practice is about paying attention, to the present moment, on purpose, and with a non-judgmental focus. A contemplative practice can be as easy as the simple act of pausing and taking a few slow breaths. Research has highlighted three distinct components or pillars at the core of meditative practices and mind training. They are, focused attention, open awareness, and kind intention.