Blessings

The subject of blessing came up in conversation recently.  It’s a very ancient, powerful and beautiful spiritual practice.  It’s just not one I’ve thought about too much.  But I’m becoming ever more aware of how much we are affected by one another.  It’s not only a matter of what we say to each other, but of how we are together.  In fact, an interesting practice is to start watching how this plays out in every interaction, every day, from the grocery line, to the car, to family members.  Watch the energy that goes out, and watch the response to it – both in others and in yourself.

After a while, it becomes obvious that when the energy exchange is positive, life gets easier and happier for all concerned.  So why not go the extra mile and begin to bestow blessings?  They needn’t be overt, or even very big.  A genuine smile, a kind word, even good thoughts can make a difference.

So what, exactly, is a blessing?  One of my favorite authors, Rachel Naomi Remen wrote a book called My Grandfather’s Blessings.  Her grandfather, an Orthodox rabbi, also studied the Kabbalah, mystic teachings of Judaism.  He taught her that all things, all people contain sparks of the holy, and when encountering one of these, it is appropriate to acknowledge it by saying a blessing.

So a blessing is a recognition and an affirmation, not a thing in itself.  My earliest experience of the word was that every time one sneezed, everyone would say Bless You!  I was told this was to keep the soul from flying out of the body (presumably on that uncontrolled expulsion of breath!)  Here it would seem to be offered as a talisman. 

Looking deeper, though, any precursor to disease (especially to our ancestors) would bring to mind the vulnerability of life.  What better time to affirm that holy spark that keeps us going?

The more I think about how we are inextricably connected and how much we affect each other, the more I can see this blessing practice as not only useful, but essential to our well-being.  I’m committing to watching and listening for those holy sparks so I can recognize, acknowledge and affirm all I can!

Comments

[Square-Peg Karen]

WOW! this and the post below..the inner cry..resonate so deeply! thank you!! I've noticed both those things..the expansion that love brings (and how I dont need anyone else to awaken me to that) and also the effect of a blessing..which, exactly like you said, doesnt' need to be big..so cool!!