Advertise on podcast: The Daily Meditation with Brother Richard

In this meditation, I invite you to explore the practice of cultivating compassion, beginning with compassion towards yourself. Compassion is much more than simply being kind. Within our contemplative tradition, it is the ability to remain present with ourselves or others, even in the midst of difficulty or suffering, while keeping an open heart. Beginning with awareness of the breath, we gently recognise the truth of how we are in this moment. We acknowledge our joys and struggles, our strengths and difficulties, without judgement or the need to change anything. Through this practice, we begin to understand that compassion grows from accepting reality as it is, rather than as we might wish it to be. By learning to receive ourselves with kindness, gentleness and equanimity, we create the conditions for greater understanding, growth and peace. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Cultivating compassion 00:31 – Opening bell 00:40 – Entering meditation with intention 01:03 – Leaving behind the distractions of the day 01:21 – Anchoring yourself in the present moment 01:33 – Becoming aware of the breath 01:57 – Relaxing the shoulders, face and jaw 02:29 – Noticing what you carry within 02:56 – Recognising the truth of the present moment 03:28 – Regarding yourself with kindness 03:46 – Acknowledging your struggles 04:14 – Accepting yourself as you are 04:40 – Compassion in the midst of suffering 05:07 – Receiving the fullness of who you are 05:43 – Letting go of masks and pretence 06:13 – Accepting good days and difficult days 06:35 – Observing without becoming lost in stories 07:04 – The first step in cultivating compassion 07:36 – Being generous and loving towards yourself 08:05 – Embracing the complexity of being human 08:31 – Breathing from a place of peace and stability 09:18 – Returning awareness to the body 09:42 – Making the intention to practise self-compassion 10:13 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this fourth meditation on the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, I invite you to reflect on the words: “Where there is doubt, let me sow faith.” Continuing our journey through this beautiful prayer, we explore the relationship between doubt and faith within the contemplative tradition. Doubt is not necessarily something negative or something to be feared. When approached honestly and openly, it can become an invitation to question more deeply, to search for truth and to grow in understanding. We consider faith both as a deliberate choice to trust and as a gift of divine grace. Through stillness, reflection and the words of the Peace Prayer, we explore how doubt can become a beginning rather than an ending, opening us towards greater truth, light and spiritual understanding. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: The Peace Prayer of St. Francis, Part 4 00:37 – Opening bell 00:37 – Entering meditation with an open heart 00:54 – Arriving in the present moment 01:05 – Relaxing into the breath 01:47 – Remembering the opening lines of the prayer 02:00 – Make me an instrument of your peace 02:24 – Where there is doubt, let me sow faith 02:48 – Understanding doubt within meditation 03:08 – Doubt as a pathway towards truth 03:34 – Questioning and seeking 03:54 – The example of Doubting Thomas 04:25 – Doubt is not something to fear 04:49 – Allowing doubt to lead us forward 05:12 – Exploring the meaning of faith 05:29 – Faith as trust and reliability 05:47 – Faith as divine gift and grace 06:14 – Choosing faith as an act of will 06:30 – Believing in the good within others 06:50 – Faith and the spiritual life 07:01 – Where there is doubt, let me sow faith 07:27 – Becoming an invitation to faith 07:52 – Moving from doubt towards truth 08:18 – Receiving the gift of faith 08:44 – Returning to the full Peace Prayer 09:03 – Love, pardon and faith 09:24 – Allowing doubt to yield to faith 09:44 – Returning to the breath 10:07 – Resting in the truth of the present moment 10:20 – Returning to the body 10:36 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this meditation, I invite you to explore the importance of space in our contemplative lives. Many people begin meditating because they long for more space, peace and stillness. Yet when life becomes particularly busy or stressful, the very practices that create that space can be the first things we abandon. We begin by noticing the physical environment in which we meditate, considering how our surroundings can support or distract us from stillness. From there, we turn towards a deeper understanding of space: the inner room of the heart and mind, where we can encounter divine grace and love. Through awareness of the breath, we discover that this inner space is available to us wherever we may be — whether in a quiet room, a busy environment or the midst of difficult circumstances. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Creating space through meditation 00:47 – Opening bell 00:58 – Becoming aware of your meditation space 01:10 – What helps you find stillness? 01:22 – Noticing distractions in your surroundings 01:34 – The importance of sacred spaces 01:46 – Meditation spaces throughout history 02:05 – Reflecting on your own environment 02:25 – The inner space of the heart and mind 02:49 – Finding stillness in difficult circumstances 03:07 – Cultivating the inner room 03:21 – Meditating anywhere, at any time 03:39 – Using the breath as an anchor 04:05 – The breath as a doorway to inner space 04:21 – Following the breath to the centre 04:48 – Discovering spaciousness within 05:13 – Resting in the inner space of awareness 05:32 – Encountering divine love and grace 06:12 – The true space of meditation 06:38 – Returning to this space whenever needed 07:15 – Breathing in peace 07:35 – Dwelling in the inner room of the heart 07:54 – Trusting in divine presence 08:49 – Gently returning from stillness 09:06 – Making your surroundings more supportive 09:23 – Remembering the space that matters most 09:42 – Returning to the body 09:56 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this meditation, I invite you to explore the ancient practice of Lectio Divina through a beautiful line from Psalm 130: “I will wait on the Lord.” Drawing on the image of a watchman waiting for the first light of dawn, we reflect on what it means to wait with patience, hope and trust. Waiting is something we all experience, whether in small everyday moments or during more difficult periods of uncertainty, suffering or sorrow. Yet within the contemplative tradition, waiting can become a sacred practice in itself. Through the breath, stillness and repetition of scripture, we consider how meditation teaches us to remain present without needing to control what comes next. Just as the watchman trusts that dawn will arrive, we are invited to trust in the possibility of new beginnings and the light of divine love. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Lectio Divina and Psalm 130 00:44 – Opening bell 00:53 – Entering meditation with openness 01:13 – Arriving in the present moment 01:33 – Letting go of past and future 01:55 – Relaxing into the breath 02:35 – Resting in the rhythm of breathing 03:05 – Introducing the words of Psalm 130 03:52 – Noticing your reaction to the scripture 04:25 – I will wait on the Lord 04:38 – As the watchman waits for the dawn 05:08 – The watchman as an image of meditation 05:34 – Finding hope in darkness and uncertainty 05:49 – Waiting for the first light of dawn 06:19 – Trusting in divine love 06:42 – Reflecting on the experience of waiting 07:12 – Waiting in everyday life and difficult circumstances 07:39 – Learning to abide in stillness 08:07 – Returning to the words of scripture 08:26 – Meditation as waiting for encounter 08:49 – Waiting for the dawning of divine grace 09:47 – Reflecting on the meaning of waiting 10:27 – Trusting that dawn will come 10:45 – Resting with the breath and scripture 11:16 – Allowing the words to fade 11:49 – Bringing meditation into periods of waiting 12:05 – Returning to the body 12:20 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this meditation, I invite you to return once again to the basic relaxation form that underpins our contemplative practice. Just as a martial artist repeats familiar movements until they become second nature, returning regularly to the foundations of meditation helps us develop the ability to enter stillness, even when life is busy or distracting. Beginning with a simple ritual gesture, we settle into a comfortable posture before bringing awareness to the body, breath, feelings and thoughts. Through gentle relaxation and visualisation, we learn to observe these different aspects of ourselves without judgement, gradually moving towards the still centre of awareness within. Whether you are new to meditation or returning after some time away, this practice offers an opportunity to strengthen your meditative foundations and reconnect with the peace of the present moment. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Recovering the relaxation form 00:48 – Opening bell 01:02 – Beginning with a ritual gesture 01:51 – Taking your seat with awareness 02:20 – Finding comfort and stability 02:40 – Meditation is not a struggle with the body 02:58 – Relaxing and lengthening the spine 03:31 – Releasing tension in the shoulders and jaw 03:55 – Allowing the breath to settle 04:36 – Scanning the body for tension 04:59 – Accepting the body as it is 05:11 – Breathing out stress and discomfort 05:41 – Visualising the breath as golden light 06:03 – Relaxing the whole body 06:53 – I have a body, but I am more than my body 07:38 – Checking in with feelings and thoughts 08:09 – I am more than my feelings and thoughts 08:41 – Following the breath to the centre 09:14 – Resting in perfect peace and stability 09:37 – I am I 09:50 – Created and held in divine love 10:02 – Meditating for ourselves and others 10:27 – Dwelling in the centre of the breath 11:01 – Resting in the grace of the present moment 11:37 – Returning to the body 11:55 – Carrying peace into the day 12:23 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this meditation, I continue our series of meditating with Mary, the great teacher of prayer and openness to divine grace within the Christian contemplative tradition. We reflect on Mary’s words at the wedding feast of Cana: “Do whatever he tells you.” These simple words invite us into a deeper relationship with divine love and an openness to the guidance of divine will. Through stillness and reflection, we consider what it means not only to receive grace but to respond to it through our choices, actions and way of living. Beginning with the breath, we allow Mary’s words to settle within us, exploring the invitation to trust, to listen and to act. Just as water was transformed into wine at Cana, we reflect on how the ordinary moments and distractions of our lives might become opportunities for transformation through divine love. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Meditating with Mary 00:59 – Opening bell 01:11 – Entering sacred stillness 01:46 – Relaxing into the breath 02:12 – Breathing in peace and breathing out love 02:39 – Inviting Mary’s words into the heart 03:07 – Do whatever he tells you 03:22 – The wedding feast of Cana 03:44 – Trust, faith and miraculous grace 04:01 – Finding the divine within our own being 04:25 – Reflecting on Mary’s words 04:37 – The invitation to act 05:13 – Choosing a way of being in the world 05:36 – Listening for divine guidance 05:59 – Resting our will within divine will 06:24 – Opening ourselves to divine love 06:46 – Growing into the fullness of who we can be 07:07 – Beginning with the smallest actions 07:32 – Mary as mother and spiritual guide 08:04 – Mary’s complete openness to divine grace 08:36 – Returning to the words: Do whatever he tells you 08:57 – Transforming distraction into spiritual strength 09:27 – Allowing the words to fade 09:42 – Returning to the body 10:04 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this meditation, I invite you to take a little time to simply rest in the breath. Our breathing is the background music of our lives, a constant rhythm that continues no matter what else is happening around us. By gently bringing our attention to this natural movement, we can find a place of stillness, stability and rest within the present moment. Beginning with the body, we notice how we are breathing and where we may be holding tension. Gradually, we allow our awareness to settle more deeply into the full cycle of each breath, without trying to control or change it. Through gentle visualisation, relaxation and a period of shared silence, this meditation offers an opportunity to rest, reconnect with the body and experience the breath as a precious gift. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Resting in the breath 00:44 – Opening bell 00:54 – Entering meditation with intention 01:12 – Settling into the body 01:31 – Noticing how you are breathing 02:03 – Allowing the breath to find its natural rhythm 02:30 – Feeling supported by the ground 02:55 – Breathing through areas of tension 03:37 – Discovering your unique breathing rhythm 03:58 – Following the full cycle of the breath 04:32 – Bringing all attention to breathing 04:53 – Visualising the breath as light 05:16 – Resting deeply in each breath 05:52 – Relaxing the shoulders and spine 06:11 – Allowing the whole body to rest 06:46 – Resting in the ebb and flow of breathing 07:19 – Three cycles of silent breathing 08:08 – Expanding awareness through the body 08:35 – Noticing the subtle sensations of breathing 09:02 – Nowhere to go, nothing to do 09:32 – The breath as an anchor in the present moment 10:08 – Returning to the body 10:36 – Carrying peace into the day 10:44 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this third meditation on the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, I invite you to reflect on the words: “Where there is injury, let me sow pardon.” Continuing our journey through this beautiful prayer, we explore what it means to experience injury beyond the physical — the emotional, mental, spiritual and relational hurts that can remain with us long after an event has passed. We consider the meaning of pardon, not simply as forgiveness of another, but as an invitation towards greater freedom from resentment, suffering and the weight of old wounds. Drawing on the example of St. Francis and his commitment to reconciliation, mercy and peace, we gently ask how open we are to the possibility of pardoning ourselves and others. This meditation offers space to reflect on forgiveness, to cultivate compassion and to consider how we might become instruments of peace in our relationships and daily lives. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: The Peace Prayer of St. Francis, Part 3 00:41 – Opening bell 00:41 – Entering meditation with intention 01:00 – Settling into the body 01:33 – Finding comfort and stillness 01:51 – Remembering the opening lines of the prayer 02:05 – Make me an instrument of your peace 02:41 – Bringing love where there is hatred 03:05 – Where there is injury, let me sow pardon 03:44 – Understanding emotional and relational injury 04:30 – How injury disturbs our inner peace 05:00 – Exploring the meaning of pardon 05:40 – Forgiveness as a form of freedom 06:17 – Letting go of old resentment 06:48 – St. Francis and the path of reconciliation 07:25 – Recognising the injuries we still carry 07:43 – Opening to healing, mercy and forgiveness 08:34 – Finding freedom from old hurts 09:11 – How open am I to pardoning? 09:43 – Returning to the full prayer 10:15 – Making an inner resolution to practise forgiveness 10:44 – Returning to the body 10:56 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Many of us carry stress and physical tension in this part of the body, often without realising how much it affects our comfort and ability to relax. Beginning with awareness of the breath, we gently explore these areas of tension through simple shoulder movements, mindful breathing and visualisation. As we imagine the muscles loosening and tension flowing away, we create space for greater relaxation and ease throughout the upper body. This is a practical meditation that you can return to whenever you want to bring a little more awareness and relaxation to the neck, shoulders and upper back. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: The triangle of tension 00:34 – Opening bell 00:49 – Entering meditation and settling the body 01:09 – Becoming aware of the present moment 01:29 – Noticing tension and discomfort 02:01 – Relaxing the body through the breath 02:15 – Breathing out stress and worry 02:50 – Understanding the triangle of tension 03:04 – Locating the three points of tension 03:42 – How everyday activities create tension 03:57 – Beginning the shoulder relaxation exercise 04:23 – Raising and releasing the shoulders 05:00 – Noticing the difference in your shoulders 05:14 – Breathing through the neck and shoulder blades 05:41 – Imagining the muscles slowly unwinding 06:06 – Checking for remaining tension 06:31 – Gentle movement of the shoulders and arms 07:01 – Visualising warm water flowing over the muscles 07:24 – Allowing stress and stiffness to flow away 07:47 – Feeling the neck and shoulders relax 08:10 – Returning awareness to the breath 08:34 – Gently moving the body 08:49 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: The ancient practice of Lectio Divina 00:28 – Opening bell 00:39 – Entering meditation with intention 00:55 – Letting go of past and future 01:16 – Settling into the body 01:48 – Following the breath to the centre 02:19 – Resting in spaciousness and grace 02:32 – Introducing the scripture: The kingdom of God is within you 03:08 – Noticing what the words awaken within 03:31 – Recognising the sacredness of the body 04:02 – Body, mind, heart and soul as a temple 04:18 – Reflecting on each word of the verse 05:23 – What is the kingdom of God? 05:39 – Allowing divine love to reign within 06:18 – What does it mean that the kingdom is within you? 06:48 – The kingdom is present here and now 07:11 – How do we enter the kingdom within? 07:42 – Opening ourselves to divine will and grace 08:10 – Returning to the breath 08:34 – Breathing with the words of scripture 08:52 – Carrying the verse into daily life 09:04 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Understanding acedia and the subtle pull of distraction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this meditation, I invite you to work gently with the breath through 7/11 breathing, a practice that rests in the quiet power of the long exhale. We begin by noticing how even a small extension of the out-breath can lead the body toward deep calm. This practice is never forced. The breath is lengthened only to a point that feels natural and comfortable, allowing ease rather than effort to guide us. As we settle into a grounded seated position, awareness rests with breathing in peace and breathing out stress. A few short cycles of 7/11 breathing help the body soften, bringing attention back to a place of stillness and balance. Silence then allows the breath to find its own rhythm. This daily guided meditation offers a moment of calm, whether you are pausing during the day or winding down before sleep, helping you regulate the breath, settle the nervous system, and return to ease. 00:00 – Welcome back 00:45 – Working with the breath 00:53 – The effect of the long exhale 01:10 – Breathing and a sense of peace 01:37 – Staying within comfort 02:00 – Introducing 7/11 breathing 02:35 – The bell 03:03 – Finding a grounded seated position 03:20 – Softening the body and gaze 03:45 – Becoming aware of the breath 04:10 – Breathing out stress, breathing in peace 05:00 – The point of stillness 05:55 – 7/11 breathing for three cycles 06:17 – Silence and rhythm 07:30 – Being with the practice 07:40 – Noticing its effect 08:20 – Returning to 7/11 breathing 08:55 – Coming back to natural breath 09:45 – Stretching and movement 09:57 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.