When we sit,
We allow time to just be with ourselves and to notice the different sensations that pass through the physical self.
We may notice that our thoughts distract us from the breath.
And we may notice that the breath is there for us to return to as a steadying,
Constant gift that will be with us through our lives.
This noticing itself is wholesome and can allow us to notice not just when we are sitting,
But as we go about our daily tasks.
Today let's turn to a blessing practice that can be incorporated into your meditation and can also be brought into regular,
Everyday life.
Our blessing practice allows us to cultivate wholesome qualities within ourselves.
In the Jewish tradition,
We bless before we engage in any action.
Before we eat,
We notice the interconnected nature of our world and our role as partners in creation by calling on the source of all and recognizing that the bread we eat emerges from the land.
In that way,
Everything that is needed to move from earth to plate is included in this blessing.
Today we will engage in a blessing practice that connects us to the most ancient recorded blessing of the Jewish people.
Birkat Kohanim.
Yivarechecha Adonai Ve'yishmerecha.
May the source of blessing bless you and guard you.
Ya'er Adonai panav elecha v'chuneka.
May the source bless you with grace,
With expansiveness.
Yissa Adonai panav elecha v'yaseym lecha shalom.
May the source of blessing bless you with wholeness.
This translation encourages us to build compassion in our world.
I invite you to find a comfortable sitting position and notice your foundation,
Where you touch the floor,
Where you touch the cushion.
Take a moment to make any adjustments and find a comfortable way to be in the body.
Without adjusting the breath,
Noticing it and allowing it to enter and exit the body naturally.
Allowing the breath to continue,
I invite you to incorporate phrases of blessing into your practice.
May I May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with expansiveness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
As we sit,
I invite you to return to these phrases,
Or just the three words,
Safety,
Wholeness,
Wholeness,
Returning to the phrases of blessing,
Even as the mind wanders.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with expansiveness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
Now,
I invite you to bring a loved one to mind.
Just the first loved one who pops into your mind.
And this time,
As we sit,
Direct the phrases toward that loved one.
May they be blessed with safety.
May they be blessed with expansiveness.
May they be blessed with wholeness.
May they be blessed with safety.
May they be blessed with expansiveness.
May they be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with wholeness.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with safety.
May I be blessed with safety.
