May the road rise 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.

The tradition of Irish blessings goes back to ancient, pre-Christian, Celtic times where traveling poets bestowed blessings infused with the beauty of nature to clans traveling throughout the country. They believed that there was power in the spoken word and that it could invoke the sacred. St. Patrick, who is credited with introducing Christianity to Ireland, continued the folk routine and traditions of offering blessings as a form of prayer.

Offering blessings is a practice I use either when I feel blue or when I feel elated and fortunate. Sometimes I say these blessings out loud and directly to someone, but most times I take a deep breath and speak those words quietly in my head. To be blessed means you have an inner peace or happiness that is not affected by circumstance. I am actually going to rewrite that, so you have to read it again: To be blessed means you have an inner peace or happiness that is not affected by circumstance. Wouldn’t that be an amazing way to feel? We all strive for this state of being, so let’s all make a better attempt at offering our energy to others who may need it though blessings. Here are some easy ways to get started.

Strangers Need Love Too: We seldom pay any attention to the people we pass throughout our day. We walk by hundreds of souls we will never see again, each with their own set of stressors, challenges, and burdens. As you walk by someone, briefly close your eyes, and send them a heart filled wish for peace, happiness, or prosperity. Picture their faces smiling, or joy overcoming them and ask God or the universe to bring that into being for them.

Love Thy Enemy: When you leave a meeting, or a family function and you feel anger or bitterness towards someone hit the pause button and specifically ask for that person to be blessed. You may choose to wish that he or she gains the blessing of having what they may need to be in a better state of mind. You may choose to ask for them to receive the blessing of wisdom or love. Try to see this person as someone who is human and in need, instead of someone who is worthy of receiving hate and hostility.

Let your Heart Choose: Many times, in the morning I will sit in silence. I simply let my mind wander. Whoever passes through my thoughts is someone I feel may need a blessing. I will pray for them and if I see them throughout my day, I will make it a point to check in on them. There are people surrounding you daily who benefit from a little extra love being sent their way.

Listen to your Gut: If there is someone who keeps resurfacing in your thoughts follow your gut and pick up the phone. Sometimes, the universe has a way of keeping us connected to those who may need us. I have on numerous occasions reached out to someone who keeps popping up in my thoughts and they respond with something like, “I can’t believe you called. I was just thinking about you.” A text or a phone call can go an enormously long way for your loved ones who may not have had the strength to ask for help or who didn’t want to bother others with their needs.

Blessings are free, require seconds to give or share, and make a massive impact for some. If you don’t know how to squeeze in the time to help or serve others, start here. It will be food for the soul you didn’t know you were depriving yourself of.

To all reading this post. I send blessings of health for your heart, head, and soul. May you have the willpower to focus on your gifts and abundance, while having the courage to seek what you need. May you have the patience and strength to accept what life throws your way, while finding peace in your breath and in the rich air that fills your lungs. May love find you even when you don’t feel you are worthy and may you feel compelled to share that love with others.

Síochán leat or as said in English peace be with you.