After my first few times participating in contemplative practices, I was pleased to find that I found them to be a positive experience. Most of the time I find them to be relaxing but there was one time where I have been able to reach new depths with the course material and within myself. The most notable contemplative practice thus far has incorporated the poem Gravity’s Law by Rainer Maria Rilkle. Focusing entirely on his words about “empty freedom” and what would happen if we “surrendered to the earth’s intelligence” proved to be immensely impactful. While I listened to this poem, I realized that this might have been the closest I’ve ever been to what our class has referred to as the fourth triple bottom line: consciousness. I began thinking about what it would mean to give up our incessant need for control and let the earth guide us. I came to the conclusion that giving up our control on the world would lead to a greater understanding of how humans need to evolve to reduce anthropogenic force on the planet. 

     Thinking once again about the fourth triple bottom line, I also came to the realization that I do not spend enough time reflecting on my role in the world. I have taken many environmental courses that have led me to thinking about my role in the world, but they have been centered around purely quantitative knowledge. One can only calculate their carbon footprint so many times before it becomes less engaging so I was excited to find that I was able to easily engage with the contemplative practices. However, I was slightly disappointed that it took this long to be able to get as close to consciousness as it did. I feel as though contemplative practices or meditation are often looked over when it comes to class material so I don’t get to practice them as often as I’d like. Even outside of class, I find myself struggling to find good resources to guide me through the process so it has never been very fulfilling to me. 

     It wasn’t until Gravity’s Law that I had a breakthrough in my struggle to use contemplative practice to better understand the world around me. Being able to come up with questions and draw a conclusion through a contemplative practice was very exciting. I hope that I can continue my contemplative journey after this quarter ends.