January 2015 Ritual: A Cup of Blessings

/in /by
By Diann L. Neu3713412205_933ca82722_b

Audio available here.

          Our lives can be viewed as three cups. At times we are empty, waiting to receive. Other days we are filling with possibilities. Another year we are overflowing.

          Choose your favorite cup. Put it in a special place. Be ready to fill it with a drink you enjoy: water, tea, cappuccino, wine, juice, coffee, hot chocolate, or another beverage. Invite a friend or several to join you, if you wish. Sit in silence, or play music.

Centering 
This is the season of endings and beginnings.
Let the Spirit of Blessings surround me (us).
I (We) pause and give thanks.

A Story of Three Cups 
Once upon a time there were three cups. The first was empty, waiting, ready to receive and hold whatever was poured into it. The second was filling with possibilities, pleasing the senses with anticipation. The third brimmed to overflowing, inviting the thirsty to receive its powers.

Look at Your Empty Cup
My cup, empty now, will soon be filled with drink.
Blessed are You, Divine Providence, for the potential you offer.

Fill Your Cup with a Drink of Choice
In filling this cup I see the possibilities of the universe pouring forth through me.
Blessed are you, Source of Life, for filling my cup again and again.

Hold Your Brimming Cup
This brimming cup is full of refreshment and renewing powers.
Blessed are you, Holy Wisdom, for your gifts of empowerment.

Begin to Drink
With this first sip, I give thanks for liberating streams in my life. (Pause)
With this second sip, I respect the diverse blessing cups given by and to others. (Pause)
With this third sip, I offer the waters of life to a thirsty world. (Pause)

Reflection
Think of this cup of blessings for the New Year. Notice the beauty emanating from it − an empty space, a place for mystery, a possibility waiting to be filled, a hunger yearning to be satisfied, a brimming cup ready to share. What do I (we) need in this cup? What do I (we) accept from this cup? What will I (we) give with this cup?

(Take time now to meditate, write in a journal, converse, draw, dance, or do something else that gives you a pleasurable way to embody your own wisdom.)

Closing
This is the season of endings and beginnings.
Let the Spirit of Blessing surround me (us).
I (We) pause and give thanks.

Take Action: Be a Blessing
• Fill the empty cup of another by calling, sending a card or an email, having a conversation, reaching out just because.
• Thank someone for some kind action they have done for you or for the good of the world.
• Feel your power and use one of your gifts to help someone else.

 

© 2015 Diann L. Neu, D.Min., MSW, is Co-founder and Co-director of WATER, dneu@hers.com.