Goodness

Goodness:

Goodness is the affirmation of creation as good, together with a sense of oneness with the universe and with everything created. Goodness recognizes the beauty of all creation in spite of the damage that human selfishness has imposed upon it. As a result gratitude abounds in our hearts and a positive attitude characterizes our relationship with others and with the wear and tear of daily life.

–from Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit, Thomas Keating

A Simple Breath-Prayer of Goodness

Below is a breath prayer I learned a while ago and continue to find it a practice of deep nourishment. It lets us inhale the life essence of a Fruit, and then exhale it into the atmosphere around us.

• Take a few gentle breaths and relax your thoughts, your emotions, and any tension in your body.

• Breathe in goodness. Allow its energy and presence to fill you. Let this spiritual nutrient into your physical being, as well as your spirit and soul.

• As you breathe in goodness, feel it nourishing you and feeding you.

• Then breathe out goodness, letting it fill the atmosphere around you. Feel yourself sharing that goodness with all that is around you.

• Repeat this for several breaths, letting yourself be nourished by goodness while simultaneously nourishing the world. When you’re ready, rest in stillness for a few moments before returning to your day.

When we breathe in goodness, we remember we’re held by Divine Goodness; when we breathe it out, we become a conduit of that same grace.