During our Sacred Journey, we spent time in the presence of Grandfather Golden Eagle, who shared stories of his youth and familiarized us with Native American philosophy. He told a story of when he was a very little boy. Like many children on long car rides, he would become restless and impatient. His mother had a remedy for this: she told him to look out the window and bless everything the car passed—from a blade of grass to a person walking by. Through this simple practice, Grandfather Golden Eagle learned that by blessing everything, he too was blessed.

I see this through the lens of cause and effect.  As we send energy out, it returns to us multiplied. It makes sense that filling our hearts with the practice of blessing would raise our vibration and attract back to us a similar vibration. We are energy—and as we use it, so it is done unto us. Again, it is a simple practice, but can we keep it furthermost is our minds.

Jesus of Nazareth spoke timeless words: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:44 (KJV)

Emma Curtis Hopkins, a New Thought healer, teacher and mystic of the 20th century, echoed this truth in her writings:

“Bless everything in your life, and you will find it transforms.”
“Praise everything and everyone, and you will find yourself growing in grace and power.”
“There is good in everything; only our limited seeing calls it evil. Praise it until you see the good.”

As I reflect on these teachings, I can’t help but think about all that is happening in our country and the world—so much that doesn’t seem bless-worthy. How do we turn this around? What does it really mean to bless everything?

To bless is not to overlook, deny, or ignore what is before us. It is to speak well of Life, to call forth the divine pattern that exists beneath every appearance. When Jesus said, “Bless those who curse you,” he invited us to rise above reaction and become creators of peace. Emma Curtis Hopkins understood that blessing is an act of recognition—seeing the Presence of God where the world sees lack or pain. To bless is to affirm: There is good here, and I am willing to see it. Mother Theresa did similar when she chose to see God in the sick and diseased people to which she tended with love. 

There is more to this practice than sitting quietly and spiritually bypassing what is happening in the world of effects. What are we doing to help? Are we speaking out? Are we taking loving action? Seeing the higher outcome does not preclude assisting others—it includes it. It means not becoming doom-scrollers or giving up on hope. If we look at the life of Jesus of Nazareth, he spent plenty of time calling out the scribes and Pharisees on their hypocrisy and mistreatment of their people, but he did more than that. He healed the sick and blessed those whom others cursed.

We are called to be spiritual warriors. The best we can do is remember how powerful we are as spiritual beings—and to see others in that same light. There is always a solution. Beyond what is happening, I believe there is always a higher purpose unfolding. For example, regarding the current situation with the federal government shutdown and the non-funding of SNAP, I envision people uniting and stepping forward to help. I see communities awakening, taking responsibility, and realizing their shared power. I also do Spiritual Mind Treatment for the Presence of Love to come forward in those who are in charge, for their hearts to be softened.

The pandemic was another time of great testing. We saw divisions—vax-ers vs. non-vax-ers, compliance vs. rebellion. There was dissension within families and between friends. Instead of coming together, many were pulled apart. Running a Center during that time, we were in the thick of it, doing our best to ensure CSL Kaua‘i survived an unimaginable season. I remember hearing a nurse describe the vaccines as “science in real time.” It helped me realize that everyone was doing the best they could to navigate the unknown.

Now, as we face new challenges, I believe the practice of blessing everything—combined with compassionate action—will open new doors to solutions. We have looked too long to politicians to solve our problems. Those problems are now at our doorstep. We, the people, are being called to bring forth active love and compassion—to give a little, share a little, and uplift our brothers and sisters. Each of us can do something, and all of us together can do something great!

Rev. Dr. Rita, Author, Founding Spiritual Director CSL Kaua’i, Founder of the Red Dress Movement