Welcome.
Before your feet touch the floor.
Before the day begins to ask anything of you.
There is this moment.
A quiet space between sleep.
And waking.
In the Hebrew tradition,
There is an ancient morning blessing called Modeh Ani.
For generations,
These words have welcomed the gift of a new day.
You don't need to know Hebrew to receive their blessing.
Simply allow yourself.
To listen.
Take a slow,
Gentle breath in.
And a slower breath out.
Feel the support beneath you.
Notice that you already have been given.
Something precious.
This moment.
This breath.
This new beginning.
Listen now to these ancient words.
Modeh ani lefanecha.
Melech chai v'kayom.
Shehechazarta.
Be Nishmati B'chemlah.
Rabbah Emuno Techa.
Their blessing is this.
I give thanks before you,
Living and eternal Presence,
For lovingly restoring my soul within me.
Great is your faithfulness.
Notice something beautiful.
Modé Ani begins not with a request,
Not with a worry.
Not with everything that must be done today.
It begins with gratitude.
Before accomplishing anything.
Before becoming anyone.
Simply because life has been returned.
Take another slow breath.
As you inhale,
Receive this day as a gift.
As you exhale,
Offer your gratitude.
And silently repeat.
Maudé Honey.
I give thanks.
Again.
Moderne Arnie.
Feel those words settle not only in your mind,
But within your body.
Notice your breath.
Your heartbeat,
Your hands.
Your face.
Awaken gently into yourself.
There is nowhere to rush,
Nothing to earn.
This moment is already enough.
Imagine the first light of morning spreading gently across the landscape.
Just as the world awakens,
Something within you awakens as well.
A quiet remembrance that your soul has returned.
And this day.
Is a sacred gift.
Take one final deep breath.
May gratitude accompany your thoughts.
Peace accompany your words.
And kindness accompany your actions.
Mauder Annie.
I give thanks.
May this ancient blessing continue to echo gently.
Within you throughout your day.
Go gently.
You
