Episode
Meditation on the Soul (Part 1): The Vegetative Soul
- Published
- Apr 20, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 722
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- https://shows.acast.com/the-daily-meditation-with-brother-richard/episodes/meditation-on-the-soul-part-1-the-vegetative-soul
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Summary
In this meditation, I introduce the first part of a series exploring the different aspects of the soul, beginning with what is traditionally called the vegetative soul. This refers to the most basic level of life within us, the processes that sustain our existence, such as breathing, digestion and the ongoing activity of the body. We begin by settling into stillness and becoming aware of the breath. From here, the meditation gently expands into a deeper awareness of what is happening within the body, often without our conscious attention. You are invited to notice these processes with curiosity, not analysing them, but simply recognising the life that is unfolding within you in each moment. As the practice deepens, awareness turns to the sense of “I”, the one who observes, creating a space between awareness and the processes it perceives. This meditation offers a moment of calm, whether you are pausing during the day or winding down before sleep, helping you reconnect with the body, awareness and the deeper principle of life within. This meditation supports body awareness, presence and curiosity. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:30 – The most basic level of the soul 00:35 – The bell 01:10 – Settling into the form 02:10 – Awareness of the breath 03:40 – Recognising the “I” 04:10 – Observing awareness 04:44 – What is happening in the body? 05:10 – The breath as life 05:43 – Awareness of digestion 07:10 – The activity of the brain 07:53 – The vegetative soul 08:50 – The principle of life 09:22 – Supporting these processes 10:10 – Receiving with curiosity 11:43 – Closing bell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.