A Forest in the City: Contemplative Practice for Difficult Times
Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education May 1, 2023 DOI: 10.25035/jche.01.02.07 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAfter a year of contemplative solitude on a remote island off the coast of British Columbia, David Chang argues that those who can practice such solitude have an educational duty to share its lessons with society. He contends that contemplation is meaningless unless it confronts contemporary problems, and he offers invitations to carry the stillness of the forest into urban life.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Narrative essay Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Duration | One year |
| Key finding | Argues that contemplative solitude should be shared with broader society to address pressing problems, and that contemplation is insignificant if it cannot engage with contemporary issues. |
Abstract
In this short narrative-essay, David Chang presents what he learned after spending a year in contemplative solitude on a remote off-grid island along the coast of BC, offering “invitations to live the stillness of the forest in the bustle of the city”. Chang makes the case that those blessed with the time and resources to practice contemplative solitude have an (educational) commitment to share these lessons and insights with broader society, arguing that “Contemplation becomes insignificant if it cannot address the pressing problems of our day”.