Contemplation - what it is; definitions

What do you understand contemplation to be? What does “contemplation” actually mean?

We are now entering into the second half of my 8 week online meditation and contemplation online program, and thought it might be helpful to share this handout on the definition of contemplation more widely...

I love definitions – within their limitations. What strikes me in the field of meditation and contemplation is people use these words, along with others like mindfulness and awareness, to cover a wide variety of meanings. This has led me to be keen to be more precise with how I do use the words; hence the pre-occupation with definitions.

As an aside, the next Meditation Teacher Training is only a couple of months away and will focus more particularly this time on meditation itself. For Meditation in the Forest, the 7 day meditation retreat in June, we will explore both meditation and contemplation – a great combination :) and now close to fully booked...

So this week, the definitions of contemplation, but first

   Thought for the day

       Put aside the intellectual practice 

       Of investigating words and chasing phrases, 

       And learn to take the backward step 

       That turns the light and shines it inward. 

       Body and mind of themselves will drop away, 

       And your original face will manifest. 

                    Dogen - Zen master

Contemplation - a general definition from the Oxford Dictionary

Contemplation: The act of thinking about or pondering over a thing continuously, musing, meditation.

The action of viewing as a possibility or as a purpose; taking into account, prospect, intention.

Contemplate: Be occupied in contemplation, ponder, view mentally, consider in a particular aspect.

Look at with continuous attention, observe thoughtfully, regard as possible, expect, take into account as a contingency. 

Have in view as a purpose, intend.

The author, Ian Gawler’s working definition:


Contemplation is a process of thinking about a particular matter over and over in a meditative fashion. Contemplation has the intention of thinking that matter through clearly, as well as developing creativity and insight. There is also the real possibility that through contemplation one may access intuition and come to more fully embody one’s own personal truth.

Contemplation in Greek Philosophy

Contemplation was integral to Plato’s philosophy. Plato stated that through contemplation, the soul may ascend to knowledge of the Form of the Good, or other divine Forms. Here, Forms are defined as perfect, eternal, and changeless concepts existing outside space and time; the Form of the Good is the mysterious highest Form and the source of all the other Forms.

Contemplation in a religious context

The practice of contemplation seeks a direct awareness of the divine which transcends the intellect, often in accordance with religious practices such as meditation or prayer. Some examples: 

Christianity

The anonymous 14th Century text, Cloud of Unknowing makes clear that the practice of contemplation is not an act of the intellect, but a kind of transcendent 'seeing,' beyond the usual activities of the mind.

In Catholicism, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote: "It is requisite for the good of the human community that there should be persons who devote themselves to the life of contemplation." 

One of his disciples, Josef Pieper commented: "For it is contemplation which preserves in the midst of human society the truth which is at one and the same time useless and the yardstick of every possible use; so it is also contemplation which keeps the true end in sight, gives meaning to every practical act of life."

In Eastern Christianity, contemplation literally means to see God or to have the Vision of God.

Judaism

Contemplation has been a central part of Jewish tradition throughout history, and is a focus of the growing Contemplative Judaism movement - a new, more universalist theology that sees God as a force/consciousness/Presence known through experience, and recognized through a wide range of practices including traditional liturgy and commandments, but also through meditation, experience in nature, and art.

In Judaism, contemplative practices include silence, quieting the mind, concentration, and cultivating ethical and spiritual qualities. 

Islam

It is said Muhammad would go into the desert, climb a mountain known as Mount Hira, and seclude himself from the world. While on the mountain, he would contemplate life and its meaning.

Buddhism

Contemplation, or analytical meditation as it is often called, plays a big part in Buddhist practice. 

A good example is the contemplation of the four foundations of mindfulness, where one trains in contemplating the human body as impure, contemplating all sensation as suffering, contemplating the mind as impermanent and contemplating all phenomena as without the self.

The aim is to arrive at a direct perception of the truth - the truth on both a relative and an absolute scale.

Bahai

Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha wrote about contemplation and meditation in regard to reflecting on beauty, the Kingdom of God, science, and the arts. Abdu'l-Baha stated that "the sign of the intellect is contemplation, and the sign of contemplation is silence... he cannot both speak and meditate".

 

Meditation Teacher Training – Module 1: Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation

11am Monday 12th to 3.30pm Friday 16th May, 2025

The Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation module will cover all the essentials of how to present a meditation course in-person or online. (Yes we do help you with how to present online as we recognise so many people are requesting this for actual meditation programs). This module details a comprehensive approach to meditation that covers preparation, relaxation, concentration, mindfulness, awareness and stillness. An approach to meditation that goes to the very essence… Theory, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges and needs of online courses, and more…

Developed for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further.

Both trainings provide wonderful peer support and networking...

Meditation Teacher Training – Module 2: Imagery

11am Saturday 1st to 3.30pm Wednesday 5th November, 2025 (inc Melbourne Cup holiday on the 4th for Victorians)

So many people in so many domains recommend the benefits of guided imagery. This training will position you to be able to offer your community something of great value – a reliable way to help your participants to better understand how their thinking minds and emotions work, and how they can mange them so much better – for their own good and the good of others. This training is also manual based and will enable you to deliver a much-needed program.

Of great personal value, this training is suitable for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further. Highly experiential, it will provide a review of the first module that will have given more attention to the basics of how to develop, manage and deliver a meditation program or course. Here we will give some attention to theory, research, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges of online courses, but the emphasis will be on experiencing the key practices of imagery, and working on how to best present a course focusing upon guided imagery.

 As a feature, ongoing mentorship and peer support is available through a specific group led by Ian, Ruth and Melissa for people who have completed one or more of our trainings.

Additional information is available via this link

How to apply for either or both Meditation Teacher Trainings:

1.        The first step is to visit our website, download the Meditation Teacher Training application form and return it to our Retreat Manager, Mel Crow.  

2.        Mel will then arrange a short phone conversation to clarify what the trainings offer, discuss your needs, answer any questions and ensure the program is suitable for you. 

3.        Once accepted for the training(s), you pay a deposit or full fee to reserve your place.

4.        Full payment is due 3 weeks prior to the commencement of your training.

 

ALSO – ADVANCED NOTICE for our Two Meditation Retreats in 2025

MEDITATION in the FOREST     June 2025

Join us for the very popular Meditation in the Forest 7 day meditation retreat. 

Open to and suitable for both those newer to meditation, and those more experienced. 

Relaxation, mindfulness, stillness and awareness. 

Ruth and I will be joined by the wonderful Melissa Borich…

 

For your part? Simply make the time and come along…Relax. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley with its big trees, fresh air, beautiful grounds, the Little Yarra River, and sublime meditation sanctuary.

You can simply let go, and let be… 

TIMES: Monday 2nd June starting at 11am   to 2pm Friday 8th June (after lunch) 2025

VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here

 

DEEP NATURAL PEACE     Long weekend mini retreat    November 2025

Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.

TIMES: Friday 14th November starting at 11am   to 3.30pm Sunday 16th November 2025

VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here

 

You can register for any of the residential programs through our website

 

The Gawler Meditation Teacher Trainings – May and November 2025

Have you ever considered becoming a teacher of meditation? 

Some make a career out of it; many teach part-time within their communities, workplaces, schools; there are many possibilities…

Having led my first meditation teacher training program way back in 1988, it is a real delight to be able to offer 2 more Meditation Teacher Training programs in 2025. Ruth and I love teaching meditation teachers and this year we will be joined by our wonderful colleague and friend, Melissa Borich who has a wealth of experience in meditation practice and teaching, as well as yoga.

These Gawler Meditation Teacher Trainings will be personalised, interactive and fun. They will be informed by ancient wisdom, our collective experiences, and the best of modern research. 

Maybe it is time to join us?, but first

             Thought for the day

     Learning to meditate is the greatest gift 

     You can give yourself or another in this life.

     For it is only through meditation 

     That we can undertake the journey

    To discover our true nature,

    And so find the stability and confidence 

    We will need to live, and to die, well.

We are calling these the Gawler Meditation Teacher Trainings...

There are two modules we will present this year – the first in May focusing directly upon meditation, the second in November focusing upon imagery and meditation. Each module stands independently, but ideally you would join both as they do build on and complement each other. 

Completing both trainings does meet the 80 hour learning requirement that is an essential pre-requisite for joining Meditation Australia. 

Our courses are accredited by Meditation Australia for this purpose. 

The meditation trainings are based upon the content of my two most recent books on meditation: Meditation – an Indepth Guide, and Blue Sky Mind; while the Imagery training has as its key reference my earlier book The Mind that Changes Everything. The imagery training has a lot to do with positive thinking and harnessing the power of the Active Mind – for our own benefit, and the benefit of others.

Each module has its own recently updated manual of around 200 pages. 

Each manual provides detailed direction regarding how to present an 8 week meditation-based program. 

You could teach directly from the manual, or adapt sections of it to integrate into work you are already doing. 

The meditation style is what we call Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation – a synthesis of all I have learnt from the exceptional teachers I have had the good fortune to learn from over many years, along with my own reading and practice, as well as the feedback and input from tens of thousands of people I have been blessed to work with and help learn how to meditate.

Each module is fully residential. Sure, many people do like to learn things online and often do so successfully, but this is meditation; it is best learnt directly, in person. Also, by being residential there is a huge bonus. You leave your normal life behind for a few days and in doing so, you can concentrate fully on the program, and importantly, you will have some time to yourself…

Have you ever been on a holiday where it was fun, yet you returned and a few days later it was all over; almost forgotten? Sure, the schedules are quite full for the trainings, but we have factored in some free time for self-reflection, walking amongst the beautiful – and inspiring – grounds of the Yarra Valley Living Centre; and there are the dual possibilities of time to talk with like-minded people, and some time for simply being quiet. It will be worth the effort to make the time, to travel and to attend in person. Come back from this and life will be different, and you will have a skill you can use into the future…

Both Trainings in 2025 will be led by Ian and Ruth Gawler, along with Melissa Borich

Without wanting to sound too much like a promoter, the reality is these programs were fully booked in 2024, so it is wise to register soon - Meditation in the Forest is already limited for space...

Meditation Teacher Training – Module 1: Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation

DATES: 11am Monday 12th to 3.30pm Friday 16th May, 2025

VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here

The Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation module will cover all the essentials of how to present a meditation course in-person or online. (Yes we do help you with how to present online as we recognise so many people are requesting this for actual meditation programs). This module details a comprehensive approach to meditation that covers preparation, relaxation, concentration, mindfulness, awareness and stillness. An approach to meditation that goes to the very essence… Theory, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges and needs of online courses, and more…

Developed for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further.

Some of the Forest and Magnificent Trees of The Yarra Valley Living Centre;

Leading down to the Little Yarra River...

Meditation Teacher Training – Module 2: Meditation and Imagery

DATES: 11am Saturday 1st to 3.30pm Wednesday 5th November, 2025 (inc Melbourne Cup holiday on the 4th for Victorians)

VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here

So many people in so many domains recommend the benefits of guided imagery. This training will position you to be able to offer your community something of great value – a reliable way to help your participants to better understand how their thinking minds and emotions work, and how they can mange them so much better – for their own good and the good of others. This training is also manual based and will enable you to deliver a much-needed program.

Of great personal value, this training is suitable for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further. Highly experiential, it will provide a review of the first module that will have given more attention to the basics of how to develop, manage and deliver a meditation program or course. Here we will give some attention to theory, research, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges of online courses, but the emphasis will be on experiencing the key practices of imagery, and working on how to best present an 8 week course focusing upon guided imagery. As with the first module, you could choose to teach directly from the manual, or adapt the material to integrate with programs you are already presenting.

ONGOING SUPPORT

For all who join our Meditation Teacher Trainings, ongoing mentorship and peer support is available through a specific group led by Ian, Ruth and Melissa. This dynamic  and committed group includes people who have completed one or more of our Meditation Teacher Trainings.

The 2024 Meditation and Contemplation Teacher Training Group

MORE DETAIL on both Meditation Teacher Trainings is available via this link

How to apply for either or both Meditation teacher Trainings:

1.     The first step is to visit our website, download the Meditation Teacher Training application form, fillet in and return it to our Retreat Manager, Mel Crow.  

2.     Mel will then arrange a short phone conversation to clarify what the trainings offer, discuss your needs, answer any questions and ensure the program is suitable for you. 

3.     Once accepted for the training(s), you pay a deposit or full fee to reserve your place.

4.     Full payment is due 3 weeks prior to the commencement of your training.

 All our Residential Programs in 2025 will be presented 

in the wonderfully supportive atmosphere of the Yarra Valley Living Centre

ALSO – ADVANCED NOTICE for our Two Meditation Retreats in 2025

MEDITATION in the FOREST     June 2025

Join us for the very popular Meditation in the Forest 7 day meditation retreat. 

Open to and suitable for both those newer to meditation, and those more experienced. 

Relaxation, mindfulness, stillness and awareness. 

Ruth and I will be joined by the wonderful Melissa Borich…

For your part? Simply make the time and come along…Relax. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley with its big trees, fresh air, beautiful grounds, the Little Yarra River, and sublime meditation sanctuary.

You can simply let go, and let be…

TIMES: Monday 2nd June starting at 11am   to 2pm Friday 8th June (after lunch) 2025

VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here

 

DEEP NATURAL PEACE     Long weekend mini retreat    November 2025

Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.

TIMES: Friday 14th November starting at 11am   to 3.30pm Sunday 16th November 2025

VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here

 

You can register for any of our residential programs 

through our website: Click here  

 

 

 

Meditation and meaning - finding the answers to life

It is not easy to imagine what it must be like to have 2 small children and to be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. I met a woman who had this experience some 20 years previously. She was alive and well and naturally I was curious – what had happened? 

Well she said, “I was so overwhelmed at the time, I sort of freaked out. I refused the treatment that was offered as it promised to make me sick, and no one could give any assurance it would work long term; and I knew I had to be there for my children. My husband could not cope, and to make matters worse, he soon left.

“So I just got on with life. 

I was so focused on my children, there was no room for anything else. 

I did not think about the cancer all that much. 

I did not even have check-ups. 

It was not until quite some years later I had the space and time to wonder and did return to my doctor; and all the cancer had gone.”

Now this lady came to none of our programs. 

To my knowledge she changed very little in her lifestyle; she was just totally focused on being there for her children. 

She told me “I just could not die and leave the children alone”.

Now it would be unkind in the extreme to suggest this woman was mis-diagnosed. That would be intellectually lazy. 

And I must confess I love extreme stories like this. Firstly, how wonderful this mother is still there for her children. Second, how sad many other mothers have done the best they could, and yet still faced leaving their children through death.

But stories such as this one provoke us to think. They are extreme. I am not suggesting what this lady did might work for someone else. But often, extreme stories do point to something very useful; in this case, the power meaning can play in our lives. So this week, we delve into the connection between meditation and meaning, along with providing more details of coming events, but first

   Thought for the day:

     A mind filled with fear can still be penetrated 

     By the quality of loving kindness. 

     Moreover, a mind that is saturated by loving kindness

     Cannot be overcome by fear; 

     Even if fear should arise, 

     It will not overpower such a mind.

               Sharon Salzberg                                      Viktor Frankl with his second wife Eleonore 1995

Many will have read Viktor Frankl’s great book Man’s Search for Meaning - named one of the ten most influential books in the US. Frankl was born in Vienna in 1905. As a medical student, in 1929 and 30 he initiated a program to help allay the high suicide rates in students. In 1931 no students suicided. 
Frankl became a student of Freud, and moved on to Adler – both leading exponents of treating what they regarded as internal neurosis. 

Adler rejected Frankl based on Frankl's assertion that meaning was more important for therapy. Frankl then published scholarly papers on what he developed and termed Logotherapy, which is founded on the premise that the primary motivational force of individuals is to find meaning in life.

Frankl stated ”What man actually needs is not a tensionless state, but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him”. These were the days before gender issues were better addressed! 

Anyway, Frankl was close to completing a book to elaborate his theories when the war intervened, and being Jewish, he was sent from Vienna to the concentration camps. Surviving and emerging to find his pregnant wife and the rest of his family had been murdered in the camps, he re-wrote the book that came to be titled Man’s Search for Meaning.

From the very early days of our cancer programs, I recommended the book and highlighted 2 of its main points:


1. In the camps, where it was so easy to die, Frankl observed those who had a reason to live, those who had meaning, tended to live longer than those without. 

Also, if people lost their will to live, they commonly died quite quickly.

2. In these heinous places, where all efforts were made to strip people of their dignity and their freedom, Frankl observed there was one freedom that could not be taken away. 

If people were able to recognise it and hold onto it, their ultimate freedom, the freedom no-one could take from them, was their freedom to choose how they responded to their circumstances. 


So if this meant do I go into a gas chamber being dragged kicking and screaming, or do I walk in with my head held high, no one can take that choice away from me.

Back to this, “What man actually needs is not a tensionless state, but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him”. Meditation’s immediate benefit for many is a “tensionless state”! My sense, however, like for Frankl, is that if we leave it there, life could be pretty bland; could be meaningless. 

This is why we go deeper with meditation – into mindfulness, awareness and stillness. Stillness may seem from the outside as a tensionless, bland state; however, it is filled with energy and with creative potential. I am yet to meet a serious meditator who was not highly engaged with life and their community. And the stillness of deeper meditation is synergistically supported by contemplation and imagery; they all work inter-dependently to support and enhance each other.

So consider this: “Why am I here and what am I good for?” 

Well worth contemplating repeatedly. 

Highly likely to draw out the meaning in your life.

As the basis of his Logotherapy, Frankl spoke of three primary domains that fed meaning and were therapeutic:

1. We learn to overcome obsessions or anxieties by self-distancing and humorous exaggeration.

2. We make the conscious effort to draw our attention away from our symptoms, as hyper-reflection can lead to inaction.

3. We ask ourselves questions (or our therapist does) designed to help us find and pursue self-defined meaning in life. 

So finally, maybe we do some rewording:

“What people actually need is a stable and tensionless state, along with the unattached striving, and effortless yet determined struggling for some goal worthy of them”.

When did you last read the book? Maybe worth a revisit… Enjoy!!!

 

Online Program with Ian: MEDITATION and CONTEMPLATION

This new 8 Week Online Program is now underway with a lovely group of people joining in.

There is a plan to record the sessions and make them available as a self-study program; more on this later…

COMING EVENTS

VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-1: Meditation   12 – 16 May 2025

The core training for those new to teaching meditation, or for those seeking to deepen their skills. Five days, fully residential with an extensive manual to guide delivery of an 8 week Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation program, or adapt to your own needs

Meditation in the Forest   Seven day meditation retreat open to all   2 – 8 June 2025

This year the focus will be on meditation – for inner peace and clarity; along with contemplation – for clear thinking, problem solving, creativity, insight, intuition and exploring the big questions in life. A great retreat; one of my very favourites and filling fast.

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-3: Imagery   1 – 5 November 2025

Training in how to teach both meditation and imagery. This training explores in depth how the mind works and how we can use it more effectively. Fascinating, personally relevant and highly empowering for your communities. Also five days, fully residential with an extensive manual.

Deep Natural Peace     Long weekend mini retreat    14 – 16 November

Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.

You register for any of the residential programs through our website

 

 

Motivation and Volition – their differences and importance

Volition. Now there is a word we do not hear so much these days. Unfortunate really, as it speaks to a crucial element in getting things done… how much energy do you put into it? 

So have you ever been puzzled when you found yourself highly motivated to do something and yet fell short? This often seems to happen when we aspire to improve our lifestyle… Eat better. Exercise more. Meditate regularly. We have all tried these things, full of good intentions; and yet months later, maybe even weeks or days later, not only have we not done it, but maybe we do not even remember what the intention was.

This week then, a reminder the new online 8 week program Meditation and Contemplation starts Thursday 13th February – quite soon now – register HERE. And then we will examine what motivation really is, what volition is, how the 2 are essential to get things done – and how to break through and actually do them, but first

             Thought for the day

   The most important thing is to check ourselves, 

   Day and night. 

   I believe that is the best way to serve other people.

   That constant mindfulness helps to improve our behaviour, 

   Our way of speaking, and our manner of thinking. 

   As a result, we ourselves 

   Become examples of a good human being.

   And if we can become a good human being, 

   A warm-hearted sensitive person, a useful person, 

   Then other people may take us more seriously

                             His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Let us aim to keep this simple 

– so it is easy to understand, and gives us confidence to use it…

Like many words, motivation, intention and volition are used differently by different authors and in different contexts. In brief, motivation is often used to describe an aspiration – a state of thinking whereby we hope to accomplish something.

Intention is often used inter-changeably with motivation, however, its accurate definition speaks of commitment, action and getting the aspiration done.

Volition is all about the energy one puts into one’s motivation; the commitment we make to getting something done.

So the important piece here is the difference between aspiration and volition. 

The thought  “I would like to do something”, and the commitment and resolve and energy it takes to get it done.

This is crucial as so often I have met people who were highly motivated to accomplish something. 

Maybe we should say, highly aspirational... 

Eat better. Exercise more. Meditate regularly. 

And yet, here they were, bitterly disappointed with themselves, often blaming external circumstances or other people, almost invariably feeling guilty, and not accomplishing what they set out to achieve.

To understand this in a little more depth, let us look at the words and their definitions…

Wikipedia has this to say “Motivation is an internal state that propels individuals to engage in goal-directed behaviour. It is often understood as a force that explains why people or animals initiate, continue, or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time. It is a complex phenomenon, and its precise definition is disputed.”

Intention is a word with similar meaning, yet it is often used to suggest something different. Wikipedia has this to say about intention “An intention is a mental state in which a person commits themselves to a course of action. Having the plan to visit the zoo tomorrow is an example of an intention. The action plan is the content of the intention while the commitment is the attitude towards this content. Other mental states can have action plans as their content, as when one admires a plan, but differ from intentions since they do not involve a practical commitment to realizing this plan. Successful intentions bring about the intended course of action while unsuccessful intentions fail to do so.”

And volition – from Wikipedia again: 

“Volition, also known as will or conation, is the cognitive process by which an individual decides on and to a particular course of action. 

It is defined as purposive striving and is one of the primary human psychological functions.”

Maybe we also need to consider “aspiration” - Wikipedia: “The act of aspiring or ardently desiring; an ardent wish or desire, chiefly after what is elevated or spiritual.”

Back to simple… 

What we are getting at here is the difference between an aspiration, or motivation as it is commonly called, a hope something will be done; and the volition or maybe intention, the energy required to make it happen.

The difference between aspiration or hope and volition or commitment and action.

So consider this… When you plan something new, can you notice the difference between the basic planning, and the commitment? So often we are motivated to do something – “Wouldn’t it be nice if I Eat better. Exercise more. Meditate regularly”. But then, what of the volition? What of the commitment. Volition speaks of making a firm decision. I will do this. I I will eat better. Exercise more. Meditate more regularly. Whatever it takes. I will do it. No compromises. No holding back. I am totally committed to this plan. I will seek the help I need; I will find a way; I will do this…

With that level of volition, things get done.

I have seen it in great athletes. Top business people. People who have experienced remarkable recoveries from extremely difficult circumstances.

So how to generate that level of volition? That level of commitment? 

Maybe this is too simplistic for some. Maybe you think it too unsophisticated. But in my experience, the solution, the answer, is a simple act of will.

Our minds are incredible. And strong. When we put all else aside and make a strong choice – like I am going to do this – it sets in train a whole series of events. Some mundane, some may prove to be extra-ordinary, some may surprise you, some may draw out strengths you previously only hoped for, or dreamt about. 

With a firm decision, the world opens up and all manner of possibilities do in fact become possible.

Happy decision making…

COMING EVENTS   

1. Online Program with Ian: MEDITATION and CONTEMPLATION

Ian will present an 8 Week Online Program, Meditation and Contemplation program from 13 February to 3 April 2025 each Thursday, 7.30 – 9.00pm AEDT. 

The program has been designed to be suitable for those new to meditation and contemplation, as well as those more experienced who are looking to reconnect and dive deeper into these transformative domains.

What the Program Offers:

·      Personal instruction and guided practices with Ian Gawler, live, online for 1.5 hours each Thursday for 8 weeks.

·      Email reminders each week with the Zoom link, plus key points from the previous session.

·      The opportunity to discuss and learn with other participants through regular interactive sessions.

·      Question and answer sessions with Ian Gawler each week.

·      Access to revisit the recording of each session for 3 months.

You can register via Eventbrite, using this LINK

2. The Residential Programs

The VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

The Team: Ian and Ruth with Melissa Borich

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-1: Meditation   12 – 16 May 2025

The core training for those new to teaching meditation, or for those seeking to deepen their skills. Five days, fully residential with an extensive manual to guide delivery of an 8 week Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation program, or adapt to your own needs

Meditation in the Forest   Seven day meditation retreat open to all   2 – 8 June 2025

This year the focus will be on meditation – for inner peace and clarity; along with contemplation – for clear thinking, problem solving, creativity, insight, intuition and exploring the big questions in life. A great retreat; one of my very favourites!

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-3: Imagery   1 – 5 November 2025

Training in how to teach both meditation and imagery. This training explores in depth how the mind works and how we can use it more effectively. Fascinating, personally relevant and highly empowering for your communities. Also five days, fully residential with an extensive manual.

Deep Natural Peace     Long weekend mini retreat    14 – 16 November

Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.

You register for any of the residential programs through our website

 

 

 

Meditation and Contemplation: Ruth and Ian Gawler’s programs for 2025

The one online program for the year, Meditation and Contemplation is starting quite soon. Eight weeks from Thursday 13th February, 7.30 – 9.00pm AEDT. Do join us… Book here.

Actually, I find it hard to imagine navigating the challenges of life without combining the peace, clarity and spaciousness that comes from meditation practice along with the clear thinking and profound insights of contemplation. 

That is why Ruth and I are so keen to continue to offer meditation and contemplation programs in 2025. First comes the one online program for the year, and then the Retreats and Meditation Teacher Training programs. Residential Program bookings, Click here

At the risk of repeating this so often it starts to sound like a cliché, meditation – and contemplation - really are the best gifts you can give to your self or to another. So in this post, more details on why I value meditation and contemplation so much, but first (with apologies for older times when “men” sounded as if they did not include “women”; Thomas Merton was a monk with some wonderful insights)…

         Thought for the day

Not all men are called to be hermits, 

But all men need enough silence and solitude 

In their lives 

To enable the deep inner voice 

Of their own true self 

To be heard at least occasionally. 

When that inner voice is not heard, 

When man cannot attain to the spiritual peace 

That comes from being perfectly at one with his true self, 

His life is always miserable and exhausting. 

For he cannot go on happily for long 

Unless he is in contact with the springs of spiritual life 

Which are hidden in the depths of his own soul. 

If man is constantly exiled from his own home, 

Locked out of his own spiritual solitude, 

He ceases to be a true person. 

He no longer lives as a man.


                              Thomas Merton

Why meditation? When we learn to meditate, we find a way to maintain a sense of inner calm and stability, despite whatever else maybe going on around us. With meditation, we come to experience mental clarity and a quiet inner confidence, yet perhaps even more importantly, we begin to connect – deeply connect – with our self; our true self; with who we really are. 

While meditation has so many immediate and practical benefits – like good health in body and mind, enhanced creativity, better decision making, more mindfulness, compassion, awareness and so on – for me, the real benefit, the ultimate benefit, is this capacity meditation has to help us connect with our own inner truth – the truth of who we really are.

So we may well begin a practice of meditation for any one of the multiplicity of immediate and practical benefits – that makes perfect sense to me and I support that completely; but then, once we start to feel those benefits building in our lives, the possibility of something more, something deeper.

This is where retreats come in. 

By making the time, by making the effort to go on retreat, we remove ourselves from daily life with all its potential busyness and distractions. 

Then a space is created. 

An external space in a peaceful and beautiful place where you are supported by good food and good company. 

But more, the inner space is created where so much can settle or simply be let go of; and then it becomes possible for us to connect to that deeper, simpler, more profound aspect of self.

And as for contemplation, this series of exquisite practices enable us to think things through, to delve into the really important questions in our lives – both the practical ones and the profound – and come to our own inner clarity. 

And as a consequence, make good decisions; creative decisions we can feel confident about and commit to.

So in 2025, I am presenting an 8 week online Meditation and contemplation program. 

This will make access easy for all, and we will develop the sense of connection through the use of breakout rooms and QandA, along with many guided meditation and contemplation practices. 

This online program starts soon – Thursday 13th February and runs every Thursday for 8 weeks from 7.30 to 9.00pm AEDT.  Book here.

Then Ruth and I will present 2 meditation retreats, one for 7 days; the other for 3 days - along with 2 Meditation Teacher Training programs – one on meditation itself, the other where the focus will be on imagery. 

Bookings are coming in quite quickly now, and our residential programs were fully booked in 2024, so a gentle reminder - particularly if you have a particular accommodation preference - it will be advisable to register soon. 

So, hope we can be with you again in 2025, and it is an easier year for us all, marked by peace, good health, contentment and fulfilment... 

          COMING EVENTS    Bookings are now open 

1. Online Program with Ian: MEDITATION and CONTEMPLATION

Ian will present an 8 Week Online Program, Meditation and Contemplation program from 13 February to 3 April 2025 each Thursday, 7.30 – 9.00pm AEDT. 

The program has been designed to be suitable for those new to meditation and contemplation, as well as those more experienced who are looking to reconnect and dive deeper into these transformative domains.

You can register for the online program via Eventbrite, using this LINK

What the Online Program Offers:

·      Personal instruction and guided practices with Ian Gawler, live, online for 1.5 hours each Thursday for 8 weeks.

·       Email reminders each week with the Zoom link, plus key points from the previous session.

·      The opportunity to discuss and learn with other participants through regular interactive sessions.

·      Question and answer sessions with Ian Gawler each week.

·      Access to revisit the recording of each session for 3 months.

2. Residential Programs with Ian and Ruth Gawler, along with Melissa Borich

You register for any of the residential programs through our website:
 iangawler.com 

THE VENUE for all the following residential programs will be The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia:

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-1: Meditation   12 – 16 May 2025

The core training for those new to teaching meditation, or for those seeking to deepen their skills. Five days, fully residential with an extensive manual to guide delivery of an 8 week Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation program, or adapt to your own needs

Meditation in the Forest   Seven day meditation retreat open to all   2 – 8 June 2025

This year the focus will be on meditation – for inner peace and clarity; along with contemplation – for clear thinking, problem solving, creativity, insight, intuition and exploring the big questions in life. A great retreat; one of my very favourites!

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-3: Imagery   1 – 5 November 2025

Training in how to teach both meditation and imagery. This training explores in depth how the mind works and how we can use it more effectively. Fascinating, personally relevant and highly empowering for your communities. Also five days, fully residential with an extensive manual.

Deep Natural Peace     Long weekend mini retreat    14 – 16 November

Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.

You register for any of the residential programs through our website:
 iangawler.com

How to avoid a mess...

Ever found your self, your life, in somewhat of a mess – and wondered how you got there? Many people seem to blame other people or external events for the mess. However, if you are reading this blog, my guess is you are at least starting to question “how much did I have to do with it?” – and what might I do to avoid future messes???

And yes, I am also guessing you know what I mean by a mess. We could be more politically correct and call it a “challenge” or an “opportunity”. We could be somewhat more blunt and call it a “problem”; but “mess” seems to have a lighter feel to it, and give the sense the situation is retrievable.

Having just attended a great retreat as a participant, there has been the opportunity to contemplate all this – and to realise the answers may be a whole lot simpler than we often first think. Simple, yet profound possibilities are open to us…

So this week, along with some detail of the rapidly approaching 8 week online Meditation and Contemplation program (starts 13th February), and details of this year’s meditation retreats and Meditation Teacher Training programs, some insights; but first

     Thought for the day

   You can search the whole world 

   For someone more worthy of your love 

   Than yourself, 

   And you will not find anyone.

   Whoever loves themselves 

   Will never harm another.

                      The Buddha

So maybe it is as simple as this… 

When something difficult comes into your life – in the form of a personal interaction, or some difficult circumstances – how do you react?

My sense is we can simplify this. Do you respond emotionally? Intellectually? Or with wisdom?

My guess is for many of us, the choice is even easier. 

We react habitually, and the “choice” we have is to react either emotionally or with wisdom - OR - intellectually or with wisdom. 

With the underlying suggestion in either case it is likely to be the former, rather than the latter. 

The reaction, the response is driven either by emotion or intellect, and wisdom is an after thought…

So consider this… When we react with emotion to difficulties, and anger is a very common response; with anger or other tricky emotions we have little chance to think clearly; we have every chance of creating a mess.

When we react with intellect, we may be thinking of what to do, how best to respond, but again, without heart of wisdom, there is still a good chance of creating a mess.

So what to do? Nothing would be a good start! With anger, we tend to jump right in, do what first occurs, and so very often create a mess. So if instead we stand back for a few moments, give the difficulties some space, allow the heat to go out of the situation; then maybe we think a little more clearly, maybe we can access our wisdom a little more directly…

That old maxim of count to ten – slowly – is not heard so much these days. My sense is it could help many people…

And what of wisdom? What we are really speaking of here is all those positive emotions and qualities. 

Like empathy, kindness, compassion, love, patience, tolerance and so on. 

And practices like understanding, forgiveness, gratitude, delight in the success of others, and so on.

These are not difficult things of themselves, just very hard to express when we are caught up in anger, guilt, shame, blame, grief and so on.

So how to move towards a more wisdom-based response? 

This of course is where meditation and contemplation come in. 

One of the first things we learn with meditation is to slow down, to be more observant of what is really going on – as opposed to what we think or project is going on – and to take time to contemplate and then act more considerately.

Meditation on its own can bring clarity and inner peace; and a perspective that does enable us to be kinder, more considerate and more capable. However, meditation goes hand in glove with contemplation. With contemplation we learn to analyse the nature of our lives, the circumstances we find ourselves to be in, and the relationships we have with other people and our environment.

When we take the time to meditate and contemplate as a regular routine, and when we remember to slow down, pause, maybe even formally meditate and contemplate before making big choices, big decisions; then there is ever chance we will avoid creating a mess, and instead create something quite beautiful.

Happy days…

 

COMING EVENTS

Bookings are now open

VENUE for all programs will be the Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-1: Meditation   12 – 16 May 2025

The core training for those new to teaching meditation, or for those seeking to deepen their skills. Five days, fully residential with an extensive manual to guide delivery of an 8 week Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation program, or adapt to your own needs

Meditation in the Forest   Seven day meditation retreat open to all   2 – 8 June 2025

This year the focus will be on meditation – for inner peace and clarity; along with contemplation – for clear thinking, problem solving, creativity, insight, intuition and exploring the big questions in life. A great retreat; one of my very favourites!

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-3: Imagery   1 – 5 November 2025

Training in how to teach both meditation and imagery. This training explores in depth how the mind works and how we can use it more effectively. Fascinating, personally relevant and highly empowering for your communities. Also five days, fully residential with an extensive manual.

Deep Natural Peace     Long weekend mini retreat    14 – 16 November

Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.

Online Program with Ian: MEDITATION and CONTEMPLATION

Ian will present an 8 Week Online Program, Meditation and Contemplation program from 13 February to 3 April 2025 each Thursday, 7.30 – 9.00pm AEDT. 

The program has been designed to be suitable for those new to meditation and contemplation, as well as those more experienced who are looking to reconnect and dive deeper into these transformative domains.

What the Program Offers

·      Personal instruction and guided practices with Ian Gawler, live, online for 1.5 hours each Thursday for 8 weeks.

·      Email reminders each week with the Zoom link, plus key points from the previous session.

·      The opportunity to discuss and learn with other participants through regular interactive sessions.

·      Question and answer sessions with Ian Gawler each week.

·      Access to revisit the recording of each session for 3 months.

You can register via Eventbrite, using this LINK

 

 

Ruth and Ian Gawler’s Residential Programs for 2024

Speaking with friends and family, seems most of us are pretty happy 2024 is over and there is the possibility of an easier year in 2025. While there was some real adversity for me and my family, there was also the delight in 2024 of presenting meditation retreats with Ruth and Melissa Borich, and Meditation Teacher Trainings with Ruth and Murray Paterson.  The responses to this work has been so inspiring, Ruth and I are full of optimism and a renewed sense of energy after all the difficulties of 2024.

So now we are keen to present 2 meditation retreats this year, one for 7 days; the other for 3 days - along with 2 Meditation Teacher Training programs – one on meditation itself, the other where the focus will be on imagery. 

Also, Ian is presenting an 8 week online program Meditation and Contemplation starting in February – details below, along with detail of the residential programs, but first

           Thought for the day

     If you are moved by something, 

     It does not need explaining.

     
If you are not, 

    No explanation will move you.


                       Federico Fellini

The residential programs for 2025

We have changed the booking procedure for all residential programs for 2025 to make it easier for all. So if you go to our website www.iangawler.com you will find the details of the programs – summarised below. To register you first need to download an Application Form, fill it in and email it to Mel at mel@insighthealth.com.au . 

We need your details from the form, and having attended a program before, your application will be approved by our new program Manager Mel Crow. However, before paying a deposit and completing your registration, Mel will call to make personal contact and to answer any questions you may have. Of course, if you are unsure about the suitability for you of any of the programs, or have particular needs, Mel will help sort that out as well.

As you probably know, the last meditation retreat and meditation teacher training programs in 2024 were fully booked, and if you have a particular accommodation preference it will be advisable to register quite soon. 

Mel will process enquiries in order of the time the Application Forms are received, and then allocate rooms in order of when deposits are paid. 

We imagine this will be fair to all…

So, hope we can be with you again in 2025, and it is an easier year, marked by peace, good health, contentment and fulfilment...

With love

Ian and Ruth

COMING EVENTS            Bookings are now open

VENUE for all programs will be the Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-1: Meditation   12 – 16 May 2025

The core training for those new to teaching meditation, or for those seeking to deepen their skills. Five days, fully residential with an extensive manual to guide delivery of an 8 week Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation program, or adapt to your own needs.

Meditation in the Forest   Seven day meditation retreat open to all   2 – 8 June 2025

This year the focus will be on meditation – for inner peace and clarity; along with contemplation – for clear thinking, problem solving, creativity, insight, intuition and exploring the big questions in life. A great retreat; one of my very favourites!

Meditation Teacher Training – MTT-3: Imagery   1 – 5 November 2025

Training in how to teach both meditation and imagery. This training explores in depth how the mind works and how we can use it more effectively. Fascinating, personally relevant and highly empowering for your communities. Also five days, fully residential with an extensive manual.

Deep Natural Peace     Long weekend mini retreat    14 – 16 November

Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.

 

Online Program with Ian: MEDITATION and CONTEMPLATION

Ian will present an 8 Week Online Program, Meditation and Contemplation program from 13 February to 3 April 2025 each Thursday, 7.30 – 9.00pm AEDT. 

The program has been designed to be suitable for those new to meditation and contemplation, as well as those more experienced who are looking to reconnect and dive deeper into these transformative domains.

What the Program Offers

·      Personal instruction and guided practices with Ian Gawler, live, online for 1.5 hours each Thursday for 8 weeks.

·      Email reminders each week with the Zoom link, plus key points from the previous session.

·      The opportunity to discuss and learn with other participants through regular interactive sessions.

·      Question and answer sessions with Ian Gawler each week.

·      Access to revisit the recording of each session for 3 months.

You can register via Eventbrite, using this LINK