In this meditation, I invite you to return once again to the basic form of relaxation and awareness that underpins our contemplative practice.
By repeating this familiar meditation regularly, we develop a greater ability to enter stillness and become present, even when life around us is busy or distracting.
Beginning with a simple ritual gesture, we settle into the body and become aware of our connection with the earth beneath us and the spaciousness of the sky above.
We gently scan the body for tension, allowing the breath to support relaxation, before turning our awareness towards our thoughts and feelings.
As we recognise that we are more than our bodies, thoughts and emotions, we follow the breath towards the still centre of our being, resting in the peace of the present moment and the presence of divine love.
Whether you are beginning meditation for the first time or returning to your practice, this is an opportunity to reconnect with the foundations of stillness and contemplative prayer.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Recovering the form
00:57 – Opening bell
01:09 – Beginning with a ritual gesture
01:34 – Entering the sacred space of meditation
02:04 – Settling into the chair or cushion
02:23 – Meditation without struggle
02:41 – Feeling the stability of the earth
03:03 – Becoming aware of the breath
03:25 – Scanning the body for tension
03:57 – Breathing through the whole body
04:21 – Allowing tension to dissolve
04:35 – Relaxing the feet, legs and hips
04:57 – Finding stillness in the stomach
05:11 – Relaxing the shoulders, spine and neck
05:46 – Releasing tension in the arms and hands
06:04 – I have a body, but I am more than my body
06:42 – Becoming aware of thoughts and feelings
07:04 – Observing without judgement
07:22 – I am more than my thoughts and feelings
08:05 – Following the breath to the centre
08:24 – Resting in perfect peace and stillness
08:56 – I am I: A centre of pure consciousness and will
09:28 – Meditating for ourselves and others
09:52 – Resting in the peace of the present moment
10:14 – Dwelling in divine love and grace
10:37 – Three cycles of silent breathing
11:30 – Returning to the body
11:57 – Gently stretching and smiling
12:02 – Closing bell
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