This is a guide to contemplation, inspired by the monk Thomas Merton. I created this introduction to the contemplative life, as a final project for a seminar on Thomas Merton, for people who have never read Merton (and maybe never will!)

1. according to Thomas Merton

2. Contemplation is for everyone, including you.

3. The beginning of contemplation is opening the eye of your heart to be filled with a God who is alive.

4. You are rooted and grounded in love . . .

5. . . . but God’s Love-speech is so silent that you can only hear it when:

6. your heart is silent

7. and empty.

8. If you dare penetrate your own silence,

9. You will recover the union in your heart between your inmost self and God’s spirit.

10. Commit to your deepest self: the image of God in your own soul.

11. Take responsibility for your inner life.

12. Why?

13. to see life in a different perspective.

14. to regain a clearer vision.

15. to appreciate Christian truth more sharply.

16. to give yourself to ministry on a new level.

17. to forget yourself so that your existence becomes sacrificial and dedicated to others.

18. This is the social maturing of love.

19. How?

20. Renounce diversion – movement, activity, useless talk. Withdraw from the babel of confusion.

21. Find God within you through the people who love you.

22. Be alone in silence.

23. Work your way through the darkness of your own mystery.

24. Be critical of yourself, first of all.

25. The obligation to be spiritually mature is difficult

26. and humbling.

27. Center on the love of God, and God’s will.

28. Risk sharing the solitude of your heart with someone else who seeks God through you and with you.