In this meditation, I guide you through the final part of St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures, reflecting on what he calls “Sister Death.”
Rather than approaching death with fear alone, this meditation invites a gentler and more contemplative perspective, recognising mortality as part of the shared experience of being human.
We begin by settling into the body and the breath, allowing awareness to deepen into stillness. From here, the meditation reflects on the closing verses of the Canticle, where St. Francis speaks of death not as an enemy, but as a companion within the wider mystery of life.
Through gentle reflection, you are invited to consider how awareness of mortality can deepen appreciation for life, encouraging us to live more fully, more lovingly and more consciously.
The practice also opens into gratitude for those who have gone before us, recognising the enduring power of love, compassion and connection.
This is not a meditation of fear or sadness, but one of perspective, intimacy and peace, holding life and death together within a wider sense of meaning.
This meditation offers a moment of calm, whether you are pausing during the day or reflecting more deeply on life, helping you cultivate gratitude, perspective and compassionate awareness.
This meditation supports reflection, acceptance and inner peace.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:11 – The Canticle of the Creatures
00:26 – Divine presence in creation
00:51 – Welcoming Sister Death
01:03 – The bell
01:26 – Settling into posture
02:11 – Awareness of the breath
02:55 – St. Francis and Sister Death
03:07 – Death as companion
03:41 – Reflecting on the verse
04:11 – Intimacy with mortality
04:46 – Living life fully
05:41 – The meaning of the Canticle
06:26 – Life enriched by mortality
06:51 – Remembering those who have passed
07:34 – A deeper question
08:46 – Love and compassion remain
09:26 – “Welcome, Sister Death”
11:18 – Closing bell