Many of us are spending a great deal of time on Zoom calls, on our screens—sitting inside. My friend, a doctor, said this is not good for our mental and physical well-being. It’s important to take breaks, go for walks, get some fresh air, and some exercise. It’s good for the body, the mind, and the soul.
This two-hundred-year-old prayer from Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) can set a wonderful intention (kavanah) for your time outside.
Grant me the ability to be alone;
may it be my custom to go outdoors each day among the trees and grass—among all growing things and there may I be alone, and enter into prayer, to talk with the One to whom I belong.May I express there everything in my heart, and may all the foliage of the field—all grasses, trees, and plants—awake at my coming, to send the powers of their life into the words of my prayer so that my prayer and speech are made whole through the life and spirit of all growing things, which are made as one by their transcendent Source.
May I then pour out the words of my heart before your Presence like water, O ETERNAL, and lift up my hands to You in worship, on my behalf, and that of my children!
— Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
