How To Contemplate?

[Rookie]

Heeeeeey forum,

I recently wanted to start a daily habit of contemplation, but I realise I have no idea how to effectively contemplate a topic, nor how to decide on one. I always end up getting lost in my thought stories and it feels like my mind just runs in circles and I'm shooting in the dark, never really getting any insights or conclusions.

Example: I'm trying to contemplate my death. I try to focus on how petty my daily actions are and what I would do if I was more conscious of it. But...what do I actually say in my internal dialogue? Do I accept every answer my mind generates as given? Am I supposed to be having an internal conversation? Am I just mindf**king myself? 

Overall I'm just confused on the actual process of contemplation. Anyone have any advice on what I should be doing to contemplate effectively? Are there any traps I should be aware of as I try to contemplate? 

[Electron]

Try writing your thoughts down rather than just thinking about them in your head.  Also as your thinking matures and becomes more profound you can compare how you have developed over the years.

Edited February 17, 2016 by Sigma

[Fer Lazo]

3 minutes ago, Pinocchio said:

If I recall there's a good chapter on contemplation in Peter Ralston's "Book of Not Knowing". It's an anvil of a book but well worth the read.

Excellent recommendation. Great book on learning how to contemplate. Just finished Peter Ralston's second book " pursuing consciousness" their both very advanced books.

Definitely start with his first book "The book of not knowing" it will guide you through the steps of contemplation and help you open your eyes to start seeing things without interpretation.

[Rookie]

Thanks for the speedy replies guys. I'll try to implement everything as soon as possible.