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March 2009

Compiled by Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub, LCSW

Healing Activities in Nature

In times of stress and despair, the world of Nature and the gifts of our senses can be sources of calm, solace, distraction, and inspiration. Here are some suggested activities, paired with a line from the Book of Psalms that one can say before, during or after as a way of dedicating the experience to healing, growth, or insight.

With enjoying the light of the sun, moon, or stars:
Ha-l’luhu shehmesh v’ya-rei-ah; ha-l’luhu kol khohvei or!
Praise God, sun and moon; praise God, all you stars of light!
(Psalms 148:3)

With breathing slowly:
Kol ha-n’shama t’hallel Y-ah; Kol ha-n’shama t’hallel Y-ah;
Let every breath praiseY-ah/God, Let every breath praiseY-ah/God!
(Psalms 150:6, twice)

With walking:
Horeini Ado-nai darkeh-kha
A’halekh ba’amitehkha
Ya-heid l’va-vi l’yir-ah sh’meh-kha.
Teach me, Ado-nai, Your Way, I will walk in Your truth;
Make my heart one/whole, in awe of Your Name.
(Psalms 86:11)

With walking through the woods:
Ya’aloz saddai v’khol asher bo, Az y’ra-n-nu kol atzei ya’ar!
Let the fields and everything in them exult; All the trees of the forest will shout for joy!
(Psalms 96:12)

With watching clouds roll by:
Ha-sha-mayim sha-mayim lA-donai — V’ha-aretz na-than liv-nei a-dahm.
The heavens belong to Ado-nai — but the earth Ado-nai gave to humankind.
(Psalms 115: 16)

With joining in sunrises or sunsets:
Mi-mizrah sheh-mesh ahd m’vo-o
M’hu-lal shem Ado-nai!
From the East, where the sun rises, to where it sets --
Ado-nai’s Name is praised!
(Psalms 113: 3)

These "Spirituality Notes" are excerpts from our monthly E-newsletter. Articles are © JBFCS Rita J. Kaplan Jewish Connections Programs and may be reprinted free of charge as long as this credit line is included.

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