Summer Solstice Blessing*
Radiant One,
creator of the cosmos
and the luminaries which light our way,
bless this day of longest light
and the gift of the sun
to bring warmth to our lives
and abundance of growth,
sweetness of blueberries,
refreshment of lemons,
nourishment of kale
and a thousand other kinds of food.
We sing in gratitude
along with the sparrows and robins
rising each morning
to celebrate another day.
Help us remember
the universe came into being
14 billion years ago,
with ancient skies unfurling,
stars spilling across the heavens,
and manifesting in every living thing.
Light is our inheritance,
calling us to be bearers of radiance,
bringing new life
from the fertile darkness.
*written by Christine Valters Paintner from a future book of blessings
Monk in the World Guest Post: Maryellen Whitaker
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Maryellen Whitaker’s reflection and poem A few small ways to grow in contemplation. In the Way of the Monk, Path of the Artist
November 11, 2026
