In a modern world of constant information and competition, where relaxation is often equated with laziness, we explore the importance of contemplation, the creativity and introspection it can foster, and how it can enrich our lives.
In a world where knowing things that others don’t know has become a competitive advantage, sitting still and doing nothing is seen as laziness. In order to keep up with the world’s stereotypical demands to go to a good college, get into a good company, save enough money, get married at the right time, and buy a house when the time is right, we are constantly chasing a never-ending stream of information. In the modern world, information is both a power and a weapon. Acquiring and utilizing information has become a critical factor in determining personal success. With information becoming such a valuable commodity, we feel the pressure to accumulate new knowledge and data at every turn.
While it’s important to learn tons of information, we all know that we need breaks in the process. However, it’s not always easy to stop thinking and take a break when doing nothing is considered laziness. In a society of endless competition, we’re conditioned to believe that doing nothing will leave us behind. Furthermore, the fast pace of change in the modern world has robbed individuals of the time to think and reflect. People are no longer afraid to stop, but they are not thinking about what they will lose by not stopping.
Making contemplation contests an issue
A long time ago, in South Korea, a contemplation contest was held on October 27, 2014, on the lawn in front of Seoul City Hall. The winner of the contest was the one who could sit still for the longest period of time without touching their smartphone, eating, or talking. What makes this contest different from other competitions is that instead of competing with fierce head and body movements, the contest is to see who can use their head and body the least. This unique event has attracted a lot of attention, and there have been many requests to organize competitions not only in Seoul, but across the country. The popularity has even spread to China. In November of last year, China’s first contemplation competition was held in Chengdu, China, and in December, Shanghai hosted a competition. The significance of the competition goes beyond just encouraging contemplation. Contemplation is beginning to be recognized as a forgotten value in modern life and a virtue that deserves to be rediscovered. It’s becoming increasingly recognized that time spent doing nothing is actually a necessary component of our lives.
The benefits of contemplation
In fact, scientific studies have shown that contemplation is not just a waste of time, but has positive effects on the human brain. In 2001, Marcus Reichl, a neuroscientist at Washington University in St. Louis, made an interesting discovery: there is a region of the brain that activates when you’re not doing anything. This activation is called the Resting-State Network (RSN) or Default Mode Network (DMN), and just like a computer resets, the brain has a manual to return to its default settings. We don’t realize it, but when the brain is doing nothing, something else is going on in the DMN: the brain is inputting information through learning, but the ability to organize that information happens when the DMN is activated. What’s more, a team of researchers at Tohoku University in Japan found that when the DMN is activated, creativity happens and certain performance skills improve. As you can see, contemplation isn’t just relaxation, it’s an important process that helps our brains work efficiently. It allows us to think deeper and come up with more creative ideas.
In those moments of doing nothing, the world changes!
Our lives are scattered with tasks that need to be solved, and we need to work a little harder to avoid being a loser. So our brain engine is always running, but it’s hard to get new ideas when it’s exhausted. However, there are some historical figures who were able to get creative by shutting down their brain engines and thinking. Picasso created his masterpieces in a moment of stillness. If Newton hadn’t spent that warm afternoon under an apple tree, there would be no law of universal gravitation. Albert Einstein also came up with ideas while walking. He is said to have solved complex mathematical problems and gained theoretical insights during his walks. The power of contemplation can give us new perspectives and ideas.
Some of the greatest works and ideas of all time were born from contemplation. Contemplation is more than just a way to stop thinking and give your brain a break. As we explained earlier, contemplation activates a specific neural network in the brain called the DMN, which not only helps us organize information, but also helps us develop our creativity. You might say that every minute is a waste of time, but in those moments of inaction, the history of the world has changed many times over. Moreover, contemplation is not just about personal reflection and creativity. It can help us rethink the direction of our society and ultimately contribute to the creation of a new social paradigm.
The nature of contemplation
In a world that is constantly rushing, slow cities, slow food, and slow living have become a big issue. While the digital revolution is happening every day, the analog revolution is also being talked about, which is more humanizing, albeit somewhat uncomfortable. The intention is to take a break from the hectic pace of society and rethink the essence of life. Similarly, the idea of contemplation in the midst of a hectic and frenetic life is a way to reflect on the fact that we often chase after the speed and information of the world without thinking and reflecting on ourselves. We often get caught up in the speed and efficiency of modern life and lose sight of what’s important. Contemplation, however, allows us to turn inward and realize what is truly important.
In fact, contemplation itself doesn’t change the world. However, the emergence of contemplation challenges our tendency to run without stopping. Stepping back from the race to keep up with the pace of the world and being still is what changes the world. Contemplative time gives us the opportunity to reflect on ourselves and find a better way to live. Contemplation isn’t just a break, it’s an important act that enriches and deepens our lives.
