Music adapted from Silvia Vasquez-Lavado’s Meditative Story, "Choosing compassion over conquest."

Greeted by an ethereal choir, the soft echoing voices invoke a sloughing off of doubts and the revealing of untapped stores, a journey about to begin. The next movement yields an orchestral string section and waves of reverberating tones with a definitive piano theme, solidifying and grounding the listener in quiet confidence. Plucking bass and cello strings mimic carefully placed footsteps, to emphasize the precipices we reach with determination and time. Contemplative piano melodies duet with string-like synths, wrapping the song in the safety to reconsider our approach. An escalating crescendo mirrors ascent, while a penetrating piano theme asks us to stop, soften, and allow our heart's compassion to turn inwards, cradling suffering in kindness, and fostering a fresh way forward.

Original music from composer Ryan Holladay.

Meditative Story combines extraordinary human stories with meditation prompts embedded into the storylines — all surrounded by breathtaking music. Think of it as an alternative way into a mindfulness practice, through vivid stories and cinematic music and production values. Find Meditative Story wherever you listen to podcasts.