Today, I woke up sad. Please don’t stop reading now—I promise a blessing awaits you!

Waking up sad, is not the normal way I wake up, but this morning it was undeniable. I stayed in bed for a few minutes instead of hopping up to start my day. I laid in stillness wondering about the sadness, and its source. What came to me is that not only did I have some personal sadness about some things, but there’s a lot of sadness out in the world for many apparent reasons. I was heavy with sadness, and I was meant to notice it.

I also experienced something else in those few minutes of stillness. A song was coming through. At first, I could only grasp a few notes to hum, but it wasn’t clear to me yet. As I continued humming, a few words came to me—then it clicked. I had participated in some grief yoga classes which were designed to process and work some sadness out of the body, and I recognized that’s where I heard the song. I still didn’t know the song, but I remembered that it was an Irish Blessing.

There are several dictionary definitions of the word blessing. A couple are: “beneficial thing for which one’s grateful; something that brings well-being” and “a person’s sanction or support.” I wasn’t left with sadness this morning, it was capped off by a beautiful song of blessing. In the stillness, I received both. I was able to process some sadness (personally and collectively), and experience feelings of being held and loved as the song permeated my heart. And, it wasn’t just for me. I’m a “person offering support,” I’m writing to specifically deliver a blessing to you!

We honored our loved ones who passed as we sang the song of blessing to them at the end of the grief yoga class. At the time, I remember that I felt very personally touched by this blessing song too. This morning, I felt touched by it again; however, the blessing came to me in a different way for different reasons. I felt so grateful for this “beneficial thing” that truly did enhance my “well-being”.

Now I want to share the blessing—as a person of support—to YOU, and fulfill my promise! No matter what you’re going through or feeling, may this be something that brings well-being to your heart and soul! And, quite possibly, you may feel gratitude too. From my heart to yours, please receive the Irish blessing:

May the long time sun shine upon you
All Love surround you
And, the pure Light within you
Guide your way on, guide your way on.

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.