Jar of Blessings
A few weeks ago, I was one of three coaches that hosted a women’s retreat weekend. As the weekend got underway and the women arrived at the charming bed and breakfast, got settled in their room, then we shared our first meal together and got to know one another by playing a fun word and name association ice breaker game. It had just enough silliness to make people feel connected and welcomed.
Once we had a few minutes to laugh and get to know each other, we introduced the plan for the weekend, held up an empty jar with the words “enjoy life” on the lid and asked each woman to jot down their intentions for the weekend and place in the jar. We wouldn’t be sharing them with the group during the retreat, but it was a way for us to make any last minute changes to the schedule if needed. Some of the intentions were clarity, opening their heart, becoming stronger and being more present.
The next morning during breakfast, we held up a second empty jar with the word “believe” and asked the women to fill it throughout the weekend with any blessings they wanted to share. Over the next couple days, the jar filled to the brim. It was fun to watch the number increase and the acknowledged gratitude for each blessing.
During our last morning, after yoga, programming and breakfast, everyone took turns pulling written messages out of the “believe” jar and one by one, read each blessing aloud to the group. It was a wonderful testament to the gratitude the ladies felt for people and experiences in their lives. Some of the blessings included: the weekend and coaches, family, daughter, and open hearts.
When the last piece of paper was removed from the jar and read, it said, “grateful for the open hearts at Crazy Blessed.” That couldn’t have ended more perfect, but what made it so amazing was I wrote the note right before the jar was closed and presented at breakfast. It was placed at the very top of the jar, however, somehow and unbelievably it was the final blessing that was read that encompassed all women present. I’m not sure why I was shocked, because the universe is always providing little messages that enforce and encourage our path. I’m doing better at noticing and recognizing messages and having a jar of blessings is a powerful reminder; wouldn’t you agree?
xoxox…..Sheryl