Spiritual Borderlands – meditations

Caroline Pether
Published Monday 30 August 2021

The music in this programme has been specifically chosen to give you time and space to think, ponder and meditate if you so wish. I encourage you to allow yourself a contemplative and/or spiritual journey without the pressure of a destination. Be still, listen, and embrace the spiritual borderlands.

If you wish to use meditation, I recommend Buddhist teacher and author Thich Nhat Hanh. I first came across him when I discovered a book he wrote that explores the many shared philosophies and teachings of Christianity and Buddhism. It demonstrates the beauty of people coming together to learn from one another and open their minds to other ideas. His written meditations have such a simple beauty, their focus on compassion and living in the present remind us of core truths and values to live by.

I’ve chosen four short meditations to fit with each of the pieces in the programme. Feel free to use them or perhaps explore other meditations.

Tavener

Listen, listen, this wonderful sound brings me back to my true home.

The past no longer is, the future is not yet here;

There is only one moment in which life is available, and that is the present moment.

Pärt

Waking up this morning I smile

knowing there are 24 brand new hours before me.

I vow to live fully in each moment,

and look at beings with eyes of compassion.

Haydn

The mind can go in a thousand directions.

But on this beautiful path, I walk in peace.

With each step, a gentle wind blows.

With each step, a flower blooms.

Abide with me

Breathing in, I calm my body.

Breathing out, I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment,

I know this is a wonderful moment.