That tilled the earth, that planted seed, (This has a tune that goes with it, but I wasn’t able to find a link for you.) Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts. The only one I was able to find the author of is the piece from Shakespeare. In general, we say the blessing or read a poem and then say “blessings on our family and friends.” Then there is a little time where we can all add our own personal blessings if we want, like “blessings on the cat” or “blessings on the seeds we just planted” or “blessings on the mail carrier.” Most of the blessings I learned through my connection to Waldorf Education. Here are some of my favorite meal blessings and poems. For a long time, we read a page from Barbara Helen Berger’s book Animalia. These little rituals mean so much to children. We also have a few books that we bring out on occasion that have well-loved poems. I collect these little poems, along with standard blessings and keep some in a little notebook. In this way, we also take time to honor the cycle of seasons. I have found this moment before a meal to be a great time to read poetry and little short stories that relate to the seasons, the weather and special occasions. We have special poems and songs for spring, rainy weather, snow, birthdays and gardening. Taking that time to calm our nervous and digestive systems also helps us relax, slow down and promotes healthy digestion. I think it helps bring us all together for a moment of silence and communion before sharing our meal together. I love lighting a candle and saying a blessing before starting a meal. My sisters continue to do the same with their families. We would hold hands and pray and at the end we would squeeze whomever’s hands we were holding three times, representing the three words “I love you.” (If you have siblings, you might guess that I didn’t always squeeze my sister’s hand!) This simple tradition has meant enough to me that I have taught it to every child I have cared for since. I grew up saying grace with my family before every dinner.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |