I feel blessed by the people I have in my life, and, every once in a while, I make a point of showing my appreciation. Here is a surefire way to let your friends know they are loved. You will receive the blessing tenfold in return.

You will need: chairs, scarves or ribbons, fluffy towels, a big bowl, almond oil, hot water, scented soap, and scented body lotion.

Invite your friends over. The group need not be large; remember, smaller is more intimate. Begin by catching up, and after half an hour, form a circle with your chairs.

Designate one chair as the place of honor, draped with garlands of gold, blue, and red ribbons. (You can use a beautiful scarf or fabric in lieu of ribbons.) Fill a bowl with hot soapy water and set it beside the chair of honor.

Stand in the center of the circle and say:

For this my heart sings:
for the ocean blue, for the sky so wide,
for the stars at night,
for the earth so green,
and for the people in my life.
Blessings to all and blessed be.

Seat each guest, one by one, in the chair of honor and wash his or her feet, replacing the water after each cleansing. Then massage the feet with scented lotion and anoint each person’s pulse points with an oil. While you are performing the ablutions, say what it is you love and value about each friend. After you have shown your gratitude to each friend, thank them all for coming and for being in your life.