Brother Richard

Previously, we looked at the so-called vegetative part, the part that is simply about survival, existence.

Now we move on to the part that is known as the animal soul.

This is the part that, while also having a survival element, is driven above all else by desire.

Some of these desires are positive.

Some of them are negative.

But all of them exist, and we have to be aware of them.

so as to enter into deeper contemplative equanimity and stability.

So let's begin.

Entering into this time of meditation, we take a moment to let go of all that has been before today.

Whatever stresses or strains, anxieties or pressures were with us this day, for now, just for now, we let them go.

Deliberately and with intention, we enter this time.

Unsettling ourselves,

we turn to the breath as the anchor that connects us always to the present moment.

Resting in the breath, we allow the breath to move through our whole being, breathing not just with mouth or nose, but with every pore of our skin.

breathing out all tension or stress, breathing in peace and quiet, calm and stillness.

As we breathe out, we can imagine our breath as a smoke or fog that leaves our body, taking with it all the stresses, all the problems, all the anxiety,

And as we breathe in, we breathe in clear, golden light.

The light of the present moment.

The light of now as it arises from divine grace and love.

And as we breathe in, we follow our breath once again to the very center of our being, to that place of perfect peace, perfect warmth.