Brother Richard

We can begin with a ritual gesture, something that reminds us that this is a special time, a sacred time.

It might be simply joining our hands for a moment in prayer posture at the chest, giving a bow, perhaps making the sign of the cross or lighting a candle.

Choose something that you feel comfortable with and allow that to be that marker for yourself as you enter this time.

Sitting then, we begin with just being aware of where we are, feeling our contact with the ground through our feet or legs, the stability of the earth beneath us,

Coming to sit, we allow ourselves to sit in a restful and open way.

Feeling the cushion or the chair beneath us.

Feeling the points of contact we have.

And then gently allowing the spine to open.

Our back to relax.

Shoulders to drop.

If you wish, you can imagine a little thread or string coming from the very crown of your head.

Feel it slowly pulled or wound up so that your head moves back over your shoulders.

Your spine lengthens.

Your breath opens.

Work always without tension, without stress, without strain.

knowing that you can adjust your posture at any time.

If something like a cough or the need to move appears, we just allow it to happen and return to the meditation.

This is not a struggle with the self, but a coming into deeper awareness of the self.

Our hands rest comfortably on our lap.

And once we have arrived at a stable sitting position, we gently inquire of the body.