~~~~THE ACT OF BLESSING ~~~~

It has been said "It is better to light a candle then to curse the darkness"

Quote from unknown source

I can say that while I was a priest there were blessings for every occasion, whether if was for a new house, a pet, even a new car. Then of coarse ceremonial blessings for weddings, baptisms, etc. 

Do blessings have a forgiving quality as in the Christian ritual of "Holy Confession"?  The Christian Parishioner  recites in a confessional  "forgive me Father for I have sinned" and requests a blessing as an act of forgiveness.   Then there are humans who need encouragement when they feel depressed, regardless of religious belief. We all have a tendency to become angry and stressed at what is perceived to be the source of the anger. I always say " believe that after the storm there can be a rainbow". 

Does one have to experience darkness in Life to require a blessing? I say absolutely not! Perhaps those blessings we offer to our fellow humans outside the venue of a religious building are the most impacting. One does not have to be a clergyman to exercise  the practice of extending blessings. When one says to another "Have a blessed Day" or at end a note or message with  "Blessings to you" ~~  the gesture is like one wishing all things good come to the other. The bestowing of this gesture spews positive energy into the universe that can unite us.   

What is interesting in the Islam  faith, which has no clerical Caste, there are no blessings for individuals. Having said that, Islam itself is regarded as blessing on all mankind. Like in many cultures when one can greet another  or when one departs from another,  they pronounce in essence ~~ "Peace and Blessings" be upon him. In Greece one says ~~ both when greeting and departing " Yiasou". Which essentially means "to your heath". This is also a toast when drinking. 

It comes down to appreciating what we have and that we have been blessed to witness another sunrise and healthy enough to experience another  Sunset.

Below is a beautiful video on "The Art of Blessing"

Blessings to all and thank you for visiting!

Love and Light