The Baal Shem Tov: Uncovering Our Eyes to Wonder

The world is full of wonders and miracles but man takes his little hand and covers his eyes and sees nothing.

Attribution printed on the image: Baal Shem Tov

A reflection on the teaching

We can become so occupied with what is missing that we stop registering what is present. The hand covering the eyes gives that habit a physical image. This saying invites us to notice wonder and goodness without denying real difficulties. Gratitude becomes more honest when it names something specific. Look for one thing you usually pass over: the help someone gave, a moment of learning, or the beauty of the world outside. Taking time to notice it does not solve every problem. It changes what receives our attention alongside the problem.

Source note: The attribution above is transcribed from the image. The exact source and English wording have not been independently verified.