How to Inject an Irish Blessing by Sean M Kelly

Sometimes much of what happens to us in life makes no sense at all. We think we’re doing everything right then all of a sudden a spanner is thrown into the works! The truth is that none of us can control everything in our lives, much that we’d like to of course.

Even if we are the greatest visualiser ever and the greatest positive thinker ever, the truth is we simply do not and cannot control everything. The simple fact is that we’re all part of a much greater intelligence than our individual selves and that of course is the universal infinite intelligence (that is God). We are invited to allow this infinite intelligence to use us for the greater good of all, not just ourselves. And sometimes it’s very hard, maybe impossible to understand it, it works in mysterious ways!

The great news is that the universe is always working with us, communicating with us, striving with us for our greater good – the evolution of our soul.

In moments when we “choose” or “have to” be still we can become aware of its gentle presence. And in that moment we experience something very beautiful, almost like an infinite moment in time – a piece of heaven on earth. Such was the case for me yesterday while getting a blood test in hospital – I “had to” be still!

I sat down on a big comfortable chair, like a dentists chair really. After I rolled up my left slieve, the nurse in front of me tapped my arm looking for a vein to put the syringe into. “Ah here’s a good one”, she said when she found one. I didn’t feel like looking at the needle going into my arm so I decided to look the other way.

And what I saw hung on the wall in front of me – a poem written by the late Irish poet and philospher John’Donohue (1956-2008) simply entitled “A Blessing”. And what a blessing it was too, beautiful! As I read it I didn’t even notice the needle going in! I was injected with the blessing instead! Here it is for you to enjoy:

A Blessing by John O’Donohue (1956-2008)

May the light of your soul guide you
May the light of your soul bless the work you do
with the secret love and warmth of your heart.

May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light
and renewal to those who work with you
and to those who see and receive your work.

May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of
refreshment, inspiration and excitement.

May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden.

May dawn find you awake and alert,
approaching your new day
with dreams, possibilities and promises.

May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed,
sheltered and protected

May your soul calm, console and renew you.

John O’Donohue

In these times of perceived challenges and changes in our individual and collective lives remember that on the surface the waves rise and fall on a never ending emotional roller coaster but underneath this surface turmoil, on the ocean floor there is great stillness and inner peace to enjoy. Remember to take time to go there often, take a few slow deep breaths and you can go there now.

In the midst of whatever challenges and changes you face in your life, may you realise great peace, deep calm and many many moments of inner joy many times a day! And just like John O’Donohue did in his life, remember to share it!

Be Inspired!
Sean M Kelly

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