Contemplation is not just for empty time

“The worst disservice we could do would be to commit the heresy of identifying the act of contemplation with a block of empty time or with the provision of an empty space, or to limit it to a certain peculiarly endowed class of persons, or in Greek fashion, to a social class that was drenched with leisure. Contemplation is, as we have insisted, standard equipment, and can never be completely identified with vacant spaces in life or with freedom from responsibility.“

— Douglas Steere, 1975
American Quaker professor

Today’s Invitation

Access contemplation in the midst of business and responsibility.

This Week’s Query

When have you felt the presence of Spirit in a busy moment?

Share your response!

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Banner art by Ruth A. Seeley

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Author

  • Douglas Van Steere (August 31, 1901 – February 6, 1995) was an American Quaker ecumenist and professor of philosophy and theology. Steere organized Quaker post-war relief work in Finland, Norway and Poland, was invited to participate as an ecumenical observer in the Second Vatican Council and co-founded the Ecumenical Institute of Spirituality. He authored, edited, translated and wrote introductions for many books on Quakerism, as well as other religions and philosophy.

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