Contemplation is often associated with physical stillness. While practices such as Centering Prayer involve a body being at rest, motion certainly has a place in contemplative practice. The real “rest” in contemplative practice is found in detachment and freedom from the false self, the illusion created by others’ expectations of us or our own expectations of ourselves. Movement can help create a path to such freedom: the movement of the fingers on Rosary beads or the standing, sitting, and kneeling of liturgy are examples of movement with contemplative potential.

 Much like the sacred word in Centering Prayer, they key to contemplative movement is that whatever motion we use should not be thought of as the end in itself, but rather as a signal of intention to offer our full selves to God, and even the means by which the offering is made. If a particular dance or motion helps you welcome the action of the Holy Spirit in your life, then it’s likely well-suited to your contemplative practice. Like any prayer practice, engage a movement with reverence and intentionality. However, since contemplation is ultimately God’s gift, be open to any why you may be called to change the rhythm or intensity of your movement, or stop moving all together, in response to God’s action within you.