blessings, an invitation

My last post was about discovering a very special blessing — a brother I didn’t know about. What a blessing he is and what a blessing to have him in my life.

When I think of blessings, I’m not thinking of religion, or my accomplishments, nor things that I may be fortunate to have. For me, it’s deeper than that and often very simple in nature. In reality, I’m truly and simply blessed to be alive. To be able to see, and smell, and touch.

It’s a blessing to be able to experience life and it’s freedoms, to wander the beaches and forests, to have family who are alive and healthy. Blessings can also be outward — to be able to see and help others, to be of service or giving, to be able to provide guidance or protection.

Despite hardships, like this year of the pandemic, we have so many blessings. We can open our minds and our heart to the blessings we may not readily consider. I’ve been reading some of David Whyte’s poems and thoughts lately. That, and the video (below) which I will share, made me realize that blessings, or gratitude, come by paying attention. Although I’ve always considered myself an observer, of course, I am also often distracted or pre-occupied.

David Whyte’s “Blessing” poems are interpreted through a visual journey across the Irish landscape in this short film by Emmy-winning filmmaker Andrew Hinton. Musician and composer Owen Ó Súilleabháin, who has collaborated with David Whyte for over a decade, offers a reflection on the music that inspired the creation of this short film.

Blessings by Andrew Hinton, Owen Ó Súilleabháin, and David Whyte

Thank you for your presence here, for the time you take, for the thoughts and stories you share, and for the person that you are. — Diane

Excerpt from David Whyte’s Twice Blessed:

and after a moment
I lifted my hands
and then my eyes
and I allowed myself
to be astonished
by the great
everywhere
calling to me
like an old
and unspoken
invitation,