— read at the interfaith thanksgiving service on 19 november 2018 —
Inviting of the Bell —
The sound of the bell is an invitation to
inhabit body, heart and spirit with full and loving awareness.
[Sounding of the Bell x 3]
Be Aware of the Earth that Supports You —
May we remember and appreciate the First Peoples of this nation
and the indigenous land upon which we all live.*
May we commit to being just stewards of this Earth.
[Sounding of the Bell]
Be Aware of the Space that Surrounds You —
May we appreciate all who are present to share in this experience tonight.
May we honor all that makes us wonderfully different
and that which connects us as people of Faith and Wonder.
May we remember to look upon ourselves and others with eyes of compassion.
[Sounding of the Bell]
Be Aware of the Air from which You Draw Breath
to Nourish, Energize and Sustain You —
May we remember to appreciate each and every precious breath.
[Sounding of the Bell x 3]
*Here in Michigan: We are inhabiting the territories of the Ashininawebaki, Haudenosauneega Confederacy, and Peoria, to name a few.
This invocation was inspired by the gratitude prayer written by the late Angeles Arrien.
tscottmiller 