Encountering the Thoughts (Part Two)

The Daily Meditation with Brother Richard · Jan 1, 2026 · 14m

In this meditation, I continue our exploration of working with thoughts and how we can observe them without becoming caught in them.

Within the contemplative tradition, a thought in itself carries no moral weight until it is acted upon. In practice, we learn simply to notice thoughts as they arise. Some may be imaginal, some emotional, some analytical, some driven by desire, and others shaped by the sense of self or ego.

Rather than trying to suppress thoughts, the practice invites gentle awareness. We begin to recognise the different kinds of thoughts, naming them quietly and allowing them…