Morning Blessings for a New Day

Blessings play a central role in Judaism. The Talmud (part of our sacred literature) instructs us to say 100 every day! Numbers in Judaism are always symbolic, so Rabbi Meir simply wants us to be God-conscious all day. By blessing something, we "elevate" it from the mundane to an action or object used in the service of God, and we acknowledge that the Divine flows through everything we do. Each morning "observant" Jews offer a series of blessings to God as we begin our day. People of all faiths, however, may find that saying these blessings - or some form of them - with kavvanah (heartfelt intention) will change the way you move through your day.

Blessed are You, Lord... for Opening My Eyes

No greater privilege exists than the literal and metaphorical gift of sight. You will be changed today when you stop to look into someone's eyes, name and bless something in nature that you find beautiful, or find the perfect people-watching spot. I live surrounded by forest, in the Rocky Mountains, and in nice weather, I pray on one of my decks, surrounded by breathtaking visual beauty, foxes and deer and wild turkey ambling by. How privileged to be able to see all of this while simultaneously receiving glimpses into the realm of the Divine. My place of sight and insight mingle. Today, recognize your blessings and receive the gift of shalom (wholeness).