Blessings: Prayers and Declarations for a Heartful Life

This is JC at her best. This little book is not preachy but fresh in its approach on all angles of life, with easy reading in a pleasant format. I bought it for myself when I was going thru some tough emotional times several years ago, and still keep it around to read a page from here and there, just for perspective. More recently, I bought it for someone dear to me who has just gone thru a divorce. It's uplifting and genuine in its gentle message.

I truly consider myself blessed . . . so when I saw a friend had a book called BLESSINGS: PRAYERS AND DECLARATIONS FOR A HEARTFUL LIFE (see also Section 11) by Julia Cameron, I aturally asked to borrow it . . . and I'm glad that I did.This is a short book of prayers and declarations that can be read in one sitting or spread over time . . . it reminded me of how good it is to be alive and, also, made me more fully appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.Each blessing is preceded by an introductory quote . . . twothat I particularly liked:It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it isbecause we do not dare that they are difficult.--SenecaIn the middle of difficulty lies opportunity--Albert EinsteinVirtually every blessing touched me . . . however, to give you a feel for the material, here's one I thought you might enjoy reading:I love others for their true selfI bless and salute the divine goodness available for all human beings and in all human beings. I allow people to be uniquely themselves, bringing their true natures and true gifts to our relationships. I do not demand that those who love me change their essential nature for my comfort. I express them my nature. I tell them my truth. I do not hide or pretend I am different form what I am. I trust that each of us is a perfect part of the divine whole. I trust that each of us is as lovable as we are. I allow originality, inventiveness, and variability in my loving relationships. I invite the unique souls in my life to love me astheir true selves allow.

I love this little book. On the outside, it's well made, sturdy, extended flaps on either side to use as bookmarkers....but that must be because they knew it would get a lot of use! Inside each page is devoted to a specific blessing, at the top of the page there is a quote relevant to the topic, the blessing and then a brief essay/prayer. Each one is lovely. Here are some examples of the topics: "The Seasons of my Heart have Purpose and Meaning", "This Earth is Radiant with Grace", "My Strength is a Fortress". But the words that follow are the real gems. Ms. Cameron writes with sensitivity and grace, in a way that seems to speak to the heart, no matter what your religous belief. I've found this book very valuable in my morning devotions.

I don't know what the author's religion is, but I suspect she is not Jewish. Nonetheless, this book was given to me by a Rabbi because the sentiments are universal. I have been through a couple of very emotional experiences recently and through these experiences, I have sought to become closer to God. The journey is often difficult and the relections and experiences of others make this journey a little less uncharted. I find the sentiments in this book to be moving and I recommend that you seek out those reflections which are most meaningful to you and to spend time truly concentrating on them.

The book is relevent to anyone's life. You can find an entry that speaks the words that your heart is saying at this time or needs to say in the future.It was also useful for me in a conversation I had before I was even out of the store and had paid for it. I look forward to reading it again and using it with my college students in my job as Campus Minister.