Blessings, Hebrew Style

Berachot. Barchu. Baruch. Hebrew words that connote Blessing. In Sufi, the word means having a sense of divine presence, and indeed these prayers of Thanksgiving and Praise we recite give us words to label and take notice of the divine presence that exists in every moment.
These prayers originated during the time of Ezra, created by the Rabbis who formed the synagogue. We say Berachot at all points during the day, upon awakening and dressing, before and after meals, when retiring at night, when reading from Scripture, during life's big rituals (b'nai mitzvot, betrothals, weddings, bris ceremonies and funerals), when we encounter natural phenomena, at the new moon, when escaping peril, and more personal blessings when we encounter the divine presence in our lives. There are actually 100 Berachot to be said during one's day (see The JewishEncyclopedia.com, Benedictions for the list).
Though there are many prayers that have been written for us to recite, it is often the heartfelt prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise that means the most to me. I am aware of the divine presence in my life, but it's kind of "under the radar." When a moment brings me face-to-face with the direct impact of "divine" and "normal, every day stuff" then I really take notice. Such as when I avoid a car accident, or see someone I haven't seen in a very long time, or witness a gorgeous once-in-a-lifetime sunrise or sunset.

One Hundred Blessings

In Judaism, we are told to say 100 brachas (prayers) each and every day. The reason is to remember that the Creator is responsible for our lives and has a hand in everything we are. Rambam says one can recite a Bracha to express pleasure for food or drink, or just before you are to perform a mitzvah, or to give thanks, express praise, or for a request to always remember the Source of All Blessings. Check out http://www.aish.com/literacy/mitzvahs/Lively_Introduction_to_Blessings.asp for more information! Before you jump in and say the blessing, pause and consider what it is you about to offer the blessing for.... do it with intention!
I often take things for granted or complain, such as about the achiness in my body, but then need to pause and realize that at least I can move my body and am in decent health and say a bracha for that.