Brother Richard

If images, sensations, or thoughts draw our attention to them, we notice, we smile, we forget them, we return to the breath, breathing in and breathing out.

Gently then, we begin to bring forward a versiculum, a little word that can be used as an anchor for the brain.

While different anchors have been used at different times, different phrases have been popular, for now, in this practice, we choose one that is universally acceptable.

We choose the word peace.

Peace.

Gently allowing that word to sound in our interior heart according to the rhythm of our breath.

Allowing the sound and even the meaning of the word to be with us, but not grasping onto context, not trying to make associations or connections,

Simply allowing the word in its repetition with the breath to be the anchor that holds us in awareness, holds us in the grace of the present moment.

Continually repeating with the breath, peace, peace,

Breathing in and breathing out.

Resting in the breath.

If the conceptual mind tries to introduce thoughts or images or associations, we notice.

We let them go.

We forget.

We return to the breath.

We return to the word.

All the while breathing in and out.

All the while repeating the versiculum.

Holding to the anchor.

Letting go and forgetting anything else that arises.