Note: Richard Rohr has written much about the balance between action and contemplation, a common spiritual duality we all navigate. In fact, he is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Many of these ideas are informed by his writing.
I have been thinking a lot about the balance between action and contemplation. I first learned of this precarious duality when I was in college (around 18 years ago) and it continues to be a dynamic push and pull in my life. Many of us struggle with contemplation, the practice of focusing inward using the many forms of self-reflection, prayer and meditation. We live in an impulsive and compulsive culture that values action versus reflection, so we are not given to this apparent inaction, but action without contemplation will be impulsive and misguided. Contemplation without action is equally unconstructive, however. Why do honest and deep reflection and then fail to act on the knowledge gained? A healthy life strikes a balance of action and contemplation.
