In the vast expanses of the human experience, few phenomena are as rich and as the notion of contact. This term is not widely used in common communication, but its implications are quite profound. At its core, contact refers to mindful interaction and connectivity with oneself, others, the environment.
Contact with Self
When we discuss conscious contact with oneself, we’re essentially talking about mindfulness and self-awareness. This involves paying careful attention to our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, exploring them without judgment. It’s about cultivating a deep understanding of how we are, what we want, and why we behave in certain ways. Conscious contact with oneself fosters self-compassion and acceptance, contributing to mental wellbeing. This is not any easy task, however it is valuable if you want to increase how you navigate in the world.
I myself have had years of training and practice at making contact and I still struggle to remain present with myself, many of us are conditioned to refuse self contact. We may have heard messages like “don’t be self centred”, “Your so obsessed with yourself” or my favourite “You are so selfish”. Contact with self is a skill worth learning and you may have to move through some historic resistance to foster contact with your inner self.
Contact with Others
On an interpersonal level, conscious contact manifests as empathetic and meaningful communication. It implies being fully present in interactions, actively listening, and being responsive to others’ emotions and needs. It is a mindful engagement that fosters understanding, compassion, and genuine connection.
Building this skill means that you have to put your own need and desire aside (even if it is for a short time) to be fully open and present with the person you are in contact with. You will know you are in contact when you are not thinking about how to respond or what your perspective is, you are just listening and allowing the information to be present. I am a person who gets excited easily. Sometimes my excitement can take me out of contact because I want to let people “know” what my experience is. I have to slow myself down and remind myself that other people are interesting, I have spent my life’s work on integrating this truth.
Contact with the Environment
Conscious contact with the environment means being aware of and responsive to our surroundings. This could relate to environmental sustainability, appreciating nature, or simply being mindful of the space we occupy and how we interact with it. This form of contact is often facilitated by outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or practicing mindfulness in nature.
This type of contact takes slowing down. We have to literally shift our focus and attention to what is in the space around us. I use a practice I call in and out. This practice allows you to engage your senses to connect with and be in contact with your environment. Take time to really examine a leaf or the bark of a tree. I love to forage for mushrooms in the forest, they are my favourite place to put my environmental contact skills.
Transcendent Contact
Finally, the concept of conscious contact can be extended to spiritual or metaphysical levels. This could involve mindfulness practices that help us feel connected to something larger than ourselves – whether that’s a higher power, the universe, or the collective consciousness of all living beings. Some individuals may experience this through meditation, prayer, or spiritual practices.
Embracing conscious contact, in all its facets, can lead to a more centered, authentic, and fulfilling life. It promotes a deep connection with self, meaningful relationships with others, a respectful bond with the environment, and often, a sense of purpose and belonging within the grand scheme of existence.
It is a journey, an ongoing process of growth and awareness, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of presence, empathy, compassion and mindful interactions in our increasingly fast-paced and digitally-driven world.
Registered Psychotherapist, Author