Start at the Beginning

Our day begins with the words:

Modah ani lefanecha מודה אני לפנך

what does "Modah" mean?

I thank You, Hashem

Exercises:

Jumping straight in: words to warm you and your writing up

Take a word from the list and write about it for 5 minutes or for the full length of a page without stopping. Just let it flow out, don't cross out or worry about spelling, grammar or if what you are saying makes sense. Just jump in and write!


appreciation
blessing
gratitude
thoughtful
credit
considerate
acknowledgment



Make a list of things you are thankful for. Be concrete.

My List
the coffee maker
my reading light
my friends Anna and Angela
all chocolate chip cookies, everywhere, at all times,
even if I never get to eat any of them
books, book stores, libraries
my fourth grade teacher Mrs Madigan
my purple glitter pen!



Think of three people...
one you want to thank
one you want to thank, but you are unable to do it
one you want to thank you, but they haven't or aren't able to do it

Write about each one

Brachot HaShachar: Releases the Confined

Releases the confined מתיר אסורים matir assurim

Exercises

• Choose a word from the list below and free associate for a full page or 5 minutes.
• Incorporate as many words as you can from the list below into a piece. Write for at least 10 minutes.

prisoner
house arrest
let go
restriction
freed
pardon

Brachot HaShachar: Who Gives Strength to Weary

Who Gives Strength to the Weary
הנות ליעף כוח .... hanoten l'yaaif kowach

Exercises

Choose a word from the list below and free associate for a full page or 5 minutes.
Incorporate as many words as you can from the list below into a piece. Write for at least 10 minutes.


whipped!
so tired, I can't see straight
moral support
the morning after the night
propped up

Brachot HaShachar: Who Has Provided Me My Every Need

Who Has Provided Me My Every Need
שעשה לי כל צרכי .... she aasaw lee kol tzrichi

Most people read this as G-d provides for my every need.

Try reading it this way: G-d has created need in me.

He makes me lacking.
He makes me dependent.

Exercise

Ponder this idea.
Feel it.

Then write what ever comes out for at least one page or 5 minutes.

Brachot HaShachar: Straightens the Bent

Straightens the bent זוקף כפופים.... zoqef kefufim

Exercises

• Choose a word from the list below and free associate for a full page or 5 minutes.
• Incorporate as many words as you can from the list below into a piece. Write for at least 10 minutes.

upright
twisted
stand tall !

distorted
folded