This is beautiful, Ian. A gentle and reverent reminder that Jesus wasn’t out here trying to scale his brand or optimize his funnel—he was busy being unproductive in all the right ways.
Thirty years of divine obscurity, no platform, no hashtags, just carpentry and contemplative Judaism. Today he'd be told to “build in public” and “monetize his quiet time.”
But no—he wandered into the wilderness instead of chasing followers. Faced down the ego, didn’t even vlog it.
Your reminder that contemplation is not retreat but revelation is holy fire. Stillness as resistance. Prayer as praxis.
Now excuse me while I go sit on a rock and breathe until my inner algorithm stops screaming.
Ian, this is the most succinct yet detailed explanation of the contemplative way that I have read. And I so agree that it is how Jesus illustrated human life to be, and also that it does change the way we see him. Now that I have a contemplative practice and have begun seeing this way, from the depths, I have a whole new admiration for and fascination with Jesus and with Christ. He truly was the merging of matter and spirit in a perfect way, and he is THE guru who teaches us all.
This is beautiful, Ian. A gentle and reverent reminder that Jesus wasn’t out here trying to scale his brand or optimize his funnel—he was busy being unproductive in all the right ways.
Thirty years of divine obscurity, no platform, no hashtags, just carpentry and contemplative Judaism. Today he'd be told to “build in public” and “monetize his quiet time.”
But no—he wandered into the wilderness instead of chasing followers. Faced down the ego, didn’t even vlog it.
Your reminder that contemplation is not retreat but revelation is holy fire. Stillness as resistance. Prayer as praxis.
Now excuse me while I go sit on a rock and breathe until my inner algorithm stops screaming.
🕊️📿 #StillnessIsRevolution #VirginMonkBoyApproves
Thanks Aleksander
Wow thanks for your reply which expresses the essence of what I was trying to say thank you
Ian, this is the most succinct yet detailed explanation of the contemplative way that I have read. And I so agree that it is how Jesus illustrated human life to be, and also that it does change the way we see him. Now that I have a contemplative practice and have begun seeing this way, from the depths, I have a whole new admiration for and fascination with Jesus and with Christ. He truly was the merging of matter and spirit in a perfect way, and he is THE guru who teaches us all.
Thanks Korie - glad it was helpful
Thanks Korie, I am really glad this writing has been helpful.
Beautifully said
Wonderful and encouraging!
Big Richard Rohr fan here.
Me too !
Thanks Dawn, the contemplative focus of Jesus’ life so often gets lost!
Really enjoyed this Ian
Thanks Christine, really appreciate the feedback.
I am wondering how those who have read this piece are exploring the contemplative reality of Jesus - does it change the way you see him? It did me!