Traditionally, true contemplation involves an act of devotion, wherein self-consciousness is removed by transferring consciousness onto the thing at hand. The better you perceive it, the less you observe yourself doing that. In other words, you could say that, at least for the extended moments of engaging it, you love it more than yourself.

asian philosophy buddhism cobalt saffron retreat cobaltsaffron cobaltsaffron retreat comparative religion conscience creativity curiosity darrell calkins darrell calkins cobalt saffron darrell calkins cobaltsaffron darrell calkins retreat darrell calkins seminar evolution happiness humor inspiration intuition mysticism purpose stress management taoism truth well being zen