May the Road Rise Up to Meet You

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

~ Irish Blessing, Author Unknown

Today’s inspiration is from the Ireland. This blessing evokes the body sensation of all the elements.

The road rises up as the earth supporting my feet with every step; the air moves as wind gently encouraging me forward; the fire of the warm sun falls soft on my face; the water of the nurturing rain gently pelts the ground as a rhythmic drum in my ears. Even the kinesthetic sense of being held is encapsulated in the final line.

Today, we often abbreviate this blessing: “May the road rise up to meet you.“

Take the time to give someone a blessing today.

Here’s a new one:

May the earth hold you steady when you shake.

May the air caress you with her invisible touch when you lose hope.

May the fire ignite you when you grow cold.

May the water cleanse you when you can hold no more.

May God/Universe/All-That-Is hug you in the embrace of love.

~ Dr. Joel Ying

Ok, now it’s your turn to write your own blessing.