Show Notes
In this meditation, I begin a new series exploring meditation with Mary, who within the Franciscan tradition is regarded as a profound example and teacher of prayer and contemplation. The Scriptures tell us that Mary “pondered all of these things in her heart.” Her example offers us another way of meeting the events of our own lives — not simply reacting to them, but creating a space in which they can be held with reflection, awareness and grace. After settling into the present moment through the breath, we bring to mind something in our own life that feels mysterious, difficult or unresolved. Rather than immediately analysing it or becoming caught in our emotional response, we practise seeing it from a little distance and allowing it to rest within the stillness of meditation. We ask what this experience might teach us, what wisdom might emerge from it and how it might deepen our capacity for compassion and love. If it feels comfortable, we invite Mary to sit with us in this space and to help us ponder the experience gently. This meditation offers a contemplative practice for moving from reaction towards reflection, creating space for wisdom, discernment, peace and new understanding. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Meditating with Mary 00:51 – Entering the present moment 01:28 – Settling into stillness 02:05 – Mary, Mother of Life 02:48 – Pondering things in the heart 03:18 – The mysteries of our own lives 04:09 – Moving from reaction to reflection 04:50 – Creating space for grace 05:42 – Bringing an experience to mind 06:20 – Seeing the experience from a distance 07:02 – What can this moment teach me? 07:51 – Pondering without judgement 08:18 – Inviting Mary into the experience 08:42 – What wisdom might emerge? 09:14 – Resting in the presence of the Mother 09:49 – Handing over the experience 10:29 – Returning to the breath and body 11:16 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Daily Meditation with Brother Richard
A gentle practice using colour to deepen reflection and presence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this meditation, I invite you to explore what I call the triangle of tension: the area extending from the base of the skull, down through the neck and towards the shoulder blades.
In this Lectio Divina meditation, I invite you to sit with the words of scripture: “The kingdom of God is within you.” Lectio Divina is an ancient contemplative practice in which we take a word or phrase from scripture and allow its deeper meaning to unfold through stillness, reflection and prayer. Beginning with the breath, we consider the sacredness of our own being before gently exploring the meaning of the kingdom of God and what it means for that kingdom to dwell within us. Drawing on the Franciscan understanding of divine love, we reflect on how the kingdom becomes present and visible when we allow love to reign in our hearts and lives. This is an invitation to recognise that divine presence is not something distant or separate from us, but something we can encounter in the present moment.
In this meditation, I invite you to explore the relationship between the weather and your emotional state. Using the imagination, we picture different kinds of weather, beginning with a beautiful sunny day before moving to a rainy one. As each scene unfolds, we gently observe the feelings, memories and associations that arise within us, without judgement or attachment. Through this simple practice, we begin to recognise something deeper: although our emotions may change with our surroundings, there is a stable awareness within us that remains present throughout. By becoming familiar with this inner observer, we can cultivate greater equanimity, emotional awareness and peace, whatever the weather may bring. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: How weather affects our emotions 00:43 – Opening bell 00:54 – Entering meditation with intention 01:07 – Settling into the body 01:37 – Becoming aware of the breath 01:51 – Breathing out tension and anxiety 02:43 – Finding stability in the present moment 03:07 – Observing emotional reactions without judgement 03:44 – Visualising a sunny summer’s day 04:16 – Noticing how sunshine makes you feel 04:42 – Exploring subtle shades of emotion 05:21 – Discovering the stable observer within 06:11 – Changing the scene to a rainy day 06:45 – Exploring your associations with rain 07:06 – Observing emotional reactions to rainy weather 07:49 – Recognising the awareness beneath your emotions 08:43 – Finding stability, strength and grace 09:17 – The weather changes, but you remain stable 09:43 – Breathing in peace and breathing out calm 10:07 – Returning to the here and now 10:48 – Carrying inner calm into the day 11:15 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this meditation, I return once again to the basic relaxation form that underpins our contemplative practice. Beginning with a simple ritual gesture, we settle the body and check in honestly with how we are. We then move through awareness of the body, breath, emotions and thoughts, learning to observe each without judgement or attachment. By returning regularly to these foundations, we build the “meditative muscle” that helps us find stillness in changing circumstances and reconnect with the stable centre of awareness within. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Recovering the form 00:46 – Opening bell 00:50 – Beginning with a ritual gesture 01:28 – Taking your seat 01:58 – Finding stability and support 02:27 – Checking in with the body 03:01 – How am I in this moment? 03:34 – Scanning the body for tension 04:13 – Returning awareness to the breath 04:51 – Breathing out stress, anxiety and pain 05:17 – Breathing in warmth, light and calm 05:39 – Relaxing the whole body 06:03 – I have a body, but I am more than my body 06:32 – Checking in with emotions and thoughts 07:01 – Observing without judgement 07:11 – I am more than my emotions and thoughts 07:47 – Following the breath to the centre 08:08 – Resting in perfect peace and light 08:22 – I am I 08:39 – Created and held in divine love 08:51 – Choosing to meditate for all who are in need 09:23 – Resting in the breath 09:26 – Returning to stable awareness 09:44 – Carrying peace into the rest of the day 10:09 – Returning to the body 10:22 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.