Every day I hear more sad news about people losing a job, or their home, or they can't keep their pets, or they have a health crisis and lack insurance since they lost their jobs. It really makes me feel blessed that things are ok in my world at this point in time, but it also leaves me with plenty of questions.
In no other time that I myself have lived through has there been so much glut, so much consumption, and so much entitlement. There is conspicuous consumption all around me, and even I am guilty of that. I have 3 televisions in my house! When I was growing up, we had one. Where I live, when children reach the age when they can drive, their parents by them a new car! When I was growing up, I had to use my mother's car, and didn't have my own car until I graduated college. That car was my grandmother's 1973 Dodge Dart that drove like a tank and looked like one too. If I am hungry and want a quick meal, I have many choices of drive-in restaurants, and don't even have to cook at home.
With consumerism and technology exploding around us, life was going to be easier and more convenient, kind of like the Jetsons! However, I believe life has become more complex. We have far more choices than we need. We have far more things available to us that we are told will make our lives better (video game systems, entertainment systems, cars that do nearly everything, appliances that we can't live without, etc). We spend more time connected to a cell phone, blackberry, or computer than to the person standing right in front of us. Some technology is good and helpful and even life-saving, unless it has lots of side effects (like all those drugs advertised on television, and in magazines). But, because something is available doesn't mean we need to jump on the bandwagon and take advantage of it.
Perhaps this shake-up in our global economy will help us get back to basics. We don't need five Wal-marts in one town. We don't need a Starbucks on every corner. We don't need alot of stores all selling the same things. True, this has kept many people employed, but only while we were spending our hard-earned dollars. I believe it's time to cut back, regroup, and reassess what we really need to be happy.
We don't need "things" but we do need each other. What are some ways that you can think of that will help you reconnect with your children, your families, your neighbors? In these dismal times, fear often takes hold, and we need to be working with and supporting each other. Instead of grabbing a bite at the local fast food joint, make dinner at home, invite the neighbors for a potluck, nothing fancy, but make it a time to get together with your loved ones. You'll save some money, and increase the good will.
Turn off the tv, take a walk, borrow books from your friends, go to a park, make your greeting cards instead of buying them, be creative in ways to help you feel more in control and less fearful. I'm not saying we should all hunker down and hibernate, but be more cognizant and aware of our actions. Save resources, not because it's become the latest craze, but because it's a way to be less heavy-handed. Turn off lights and other appliances when they are not in use, use less than you really have to when it comes to water and other resources, and treat the place where you live in a respectful way. Become more aware of your impact and leave the world a better place than how you found it, if for no other reason than you are blessed to be alive here in this place at this moment in time.
When I start fearing that too much of my life is out of my control, I don't watch the news or read the newspaper as it adds to my stress level. I keep healthy by watching what I eat, exercising, and spending time doing the things I love. If you are about to lose your job, or think that it might be in jeopardy, start thinking out of the box and reassess your interests, talents and skills and figure out other ways to use them. Cut back on the things that you really don't need, and be honest with yourself. We have so much in our lives that it's too easy to get caught up in needs vs. wants.
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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.
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.
May Your Memory Be a Blessing
When we die, there is an expression: "May his/her memory be a blessing." What does it take for us to live a life that others will remember as a blessing? When we are gone from this earth, how will others remember us? How do we live our lives in a way that blesses the universe, HaShem, our loved ones, and ourselves?
Blessings and Change
I was reminded this week about the power of blessings. When I create space for that energy, it multiplies exponetially. When I send out a prayer, the blessings contained within it also return to me. Perhaps that is why the ancient Jewish sages believed that people who are ill and/or struggling should also pray and not only ask HaShem for healing, but should also pray for others who are in need. The sages knew the power of blessings.
I've decided to change an attitude and a behavior... for instance, when I am driving and the person in front of me does something I might normally get peeved at, I will instead send them a blessing. It's an experiment for me.
I've decided to change an attitude and a behavior... for instance, when I am driving and the person in front of me does something I might normally get peeved at, I will instead send them a blessing. It's an experiment for me.
"Real-eyes-ing" blessings
I have been tuning into synchronicities this week. Many events are affirming the flow of my life at this point. I "real-eyes" that this is probably always occuring, but I don't always tune into it. My mind is going in 1001 different directions, or I am not in the present moment. Only when I focus and am open to what needs to come in do I see these "coincidences". I know that HaShem is communicating with me and I am listening in those moments.
I also "real-eyes" that I must live my life with integrity, compassion, and courage, for this is what cloaks my desires; and the adage of "watch what you wish for, as you will receive it" plays into the mix as well. As I was writing this the first time, my computer just froze up, which it's been doing lately. Why it did it at that moment, I don't know, but I've been able to recreate my message... which brings me to my next thought, and that is I heard from many of you regarding my "experiment" of last week. It comforts me to know I have much support on this journey!
I have permission to share an email from one of our participants in response to last week's commentary and I print it below.
Yes, always send blessings...always send out blessings and love even if you do not see results in the physical dimension. The nature of man is to receive for self alone, the nature of Hashem is the desire to Share. When we share, we become like Hashem, we are connected to Hashem and receive all the Light we need. As we all share our light with others, even bad drivers...smile..our light within shines brighter as those poisonous dark feelings are transformed to Light. This is what it means that collectively we are all sparks of light of the Messiah. As we all send out love and blessings we reveal light into the world and it is this Light that transforms the darkness in others and ourselves. It is then that our veil (made up of our impurities that separates our flesh from our soul) becomes thinner to eventually disappear and we are no longer separated from Hashem, we are ONE, we are back in the Garden of Eden where the energy is no longer tainted, it is but Pure.Perhaps that is why the first letter that begins the Torah is the letter BET, meaning Blessing.
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I also "real-eyes" that I must live my life with integrity, compassion, and courage, for this is what cloaks my desires; and the adage of "watch what you wish for, as you will receive it" plays into the mix as well. As I was writing this the first time, my computer just froze up, which it's been doing lately. Why it did it at that moment, I don't know, but I've been able to recreate my message... which brings me to my next thought, and that is I heard from many of you regarding my "experiment" of last week. It comforts me to know I have much support on this journey!
I have permission to share an email from one of our participants in response to last week's commentary and I print it below.
Yes, always send blessings...always send out blessings and love even if you do not see results in the physical dimension. The nature of man is to receive for self alone, the nature of Hashem is the desire to Share. When we share, we become like Hashem, we are connected to Hashem and receive all the Light we need. As we all share our light with others, even bad drivers...smile..our light within shines brighter as those poisonous dark feelings are transformed to Light. This is what it means that collectively we are all sparks of light of the Messiah. As we all send out love and blessings we reveal light into the world and it is this Light that transforms the darkness in others and ourselves. It is then that our veil (made up of our impurities that separates our flesh from our soul) becomes thinner to eventually disappear and we are no longer separated from Hashem, we are ONE, we are back in the Garden of Eden where the energy is no longer tainted, it is but Pure.Perhaps that is why the first letter that begins the Torah is the letter BET, meaning Blessing.
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Gratitude and Abundance
Gratitude. Abundance. So hard to embrace these when we're feeling overwhelmed by illness, or extreme circumstances. When I am overwhelmed, all I want to do is crawl into a hole and escape. Gratitude and abundance are the furthest things from my mind and heart. Therefore, how do you turn your face around to see the joy and beauty in the world, when you're not feeling it in your heart? What does it for you? I keep reminding myself that HaShem is always before me--Sh'viti. Even if I can't feel the fullness of abundance and joy in my heart sometimes, I can be comforted to know that I am not alone.
The Sacredness of Your Life
What are you thankful for? Even in the midst of pain, can you find the blessing in being alive? It is said that the Creator is breathing us into being every moment. How "yirah" (awesome) is that! That this infinite being wants us to be alive and breathing and contributing to this Creation in our own way. We usually go through each day not really thinking about it, taking for granted the fact we can go to work, prepare and eat meals, tend to our families/friends/selves, etc. It's easy to get caught up in the seemingly mundane, ordinary life we live. But, is it really all that ordinary and mundane when you think about the fact that all of Creation is being willfully breathed into Being, and if the Creator stopped willing us into being, we would be no more?
I may not say the morning blessings exactly the way they are written, but I do awaken each morning, sun streaming into my windows, glad to be alive and wondering what the day will bring. What surprises will come my way? What does the Creator need me to do, how do I need to be, to take me further on my journey towards becoming a better person? When I really pay attention and notice the miracles of life around me, I am feeling blessed and grateful that the Infinite One sees fit to continue to breathe life into me.
The one guarantee in life is death, but we never know exactly when that will occur, so how do you live each day that the Creator has willed you into being?
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I may not say the morning blessings exactly the way they are written, but I do awaken each morning, sun streaming into my windows, glad to be alive and wondering what the day will bring. What surprises will come my way? What does the Creator need me to do, how do I need to be, to take me further on my journey towards becoming a better person? When I really pay attention and notice the miracles of life around me, I am feeling blessed and grateful that the Infinite One sees fit to continue to breathe life into me.
The one guarantee in life is death, but we never know exactly when that will occur, so how do you live each day that the Creator has willed you into being?
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Oy vey.... whining and complaining
In this week's Torah portion, B'shallach, we read of the Israelites flight from Egypt. One of the things that stands out for me is the fact they complain incessantly about the heat, the walk, the lack of water, the taste of the water when they get it, the lack of food, the manna isn't good enough, on and on. We laughed about it in class, but at the heart of it, it wasn't so laughable. Sure, we as Jews have a bit of a stereotype when it comes to complaining, and there are some jokes I've heard that make fun of this facet of life. But why do we complain? Why aren't we grateful for whatever it is that is given to us?
We complain about our bodies, we complain about work, we complain about our spouses, or children, or parents, or friends. For some people who have made an art form out of it, nothing is ever right. Nothing is ever perfect, or lives up to our expectations of what it should be.
Judaism makes a big deal out of distinctions. There are many boundaries we don't cross, and many that we do. It seems to me that everything in life can't be holy, it can't be perfect, for we're not in Gan Eden anymore. So, can it be that the things we complain about are the things that haven't achieved holiness yet? Or we don't see its holiness because it's obscured by pain, or ego, or something else that clouds our vision?
Maybe the fact that my body aches when I wake up is just a fact of life in growing older. But at least I woke up (Modah ani l'fanecha). And I have another chance to make this world a better place. Our bodies are imperfect packages for our souls, but HaShem made them that way for a reason. It's a mystery to me, but that's ok.
The next time I complain, I'm also going to ask myself that whatever I'm complaining about might not have achieved its holy purpose, but eventually it will!
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We complain about our bodies, we complain about work, we complain about our spouses, or children, or parents, or friends. For some people who have made an art form out of it, nothing is ever right. Nothing is ever perfect, or lives up to our expectations of what it should be.
Judaism makes a big deal out of distinctions. There are many boundaries we don't cross, and many that we do. It seems to me that everything in life can't be holy, it can't be perfect, for we're not in Gan Eden anymore. So, can it be that the things we complain about are the things that haven't achieved holiness yet? Or we don't see its holiness because it's obscured by pain, or ego, or something else that clouds our vision?
Maybe the fact that my body aches when I wake up is just a fact of life in growing older. But at least I woke up (Modah ani l'fanecha). And I have another chance to make this world a better place. Our bodies are imperfect packages for our souls, but HaShem made them that way for a reason. It's a mystery to me, but that's ok.
The next time I complain, I'm also going to ask myself that whatever I'm complaining about might not have achieved its holy purpose, but eventually it will!
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Sing Your Own Song!
Spring is here for us in the Northern Hemisphere. I always think of this change of seasons as the most blatant, in that we are going from the "sleep" of winter into full-blown energy. Listen to the birds' songs getting louder and more prevalent in their quest to mate. See trees and other plants bursting forth with new growth. There is also spring cleaning--of our homes, and ourselves. Pesach is coming soon. All of these events constitute more energy and activity, an awakening.
Rabbi Nachman in Likkutei MoHaRaN I:282 teaches that each person can always revive and reawaken his/her spirits "by searching out and finding your positive points, collecting them together and sifting them out from the impurities within you, this is how melodies are made.... search until you find a little bit of good in yourself... and in just the same way, you must carrying on searching until you find yet another good point. If despite your desire to be happy you feel drawn down, draw strength from happier times gone by. Eventually, joy will return."
This also reminds us to thank HaShem for the blessings in our lives. It's so easy to get caught up in the negative feelings, and I love what R. Nachman says about creating melodies. Each one of us is a special, unique song that HaShem sings as we are breathed into being. Never forget that!
Rabbi Nachman in Likkutei MoHaRaN I:282 teaches that each person can always revive and reawaken his/her spirits "by searching out and finding your positive points, collecting them together and sifting them out from the impurities within you, this is how melodies are made.... search until you find a little bit of good in yourself... and in just the same way, you must carrying on searching until you find yet another good point. If despite your desire to be happy you feel drawn down, draw strength from happier times gone by. Eventually, joy will return."
This also reminds us to thank HaShem for the blessings in our lives. It's so easy to get caught up in the negative feelings, and I love what R. Nachman says about creating melodies. Each one of us is a special, unique song that HaShem sings as we are breathed into being. Never forget that!
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.
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.
Sh'viti
In this moment, I am content. I have my health, my family, my friends, my pets, a good job, a great place to live. Now, illusion being what it is, of course all of us have all or some of these things, but do we always stop to think about them? Do we keep HaShem's blessings in the forefront of our minds/hearts? Sh'viti.... God is always with me/before me. There is a prayer/blessing I learned at a retreat sponsored by Walking Stick Foundation, founded by R. Gershon Winkler. It is an ancient Lakota prayer, I believe, but it is relevant to anyone. "May you walk in beauty. May beauty be beside you. May beauty be behind you. May beauty be before you. May beauty be below you. May beauty be above you." I add, "May beauty be with you every step of the way" Beauty is the Abundant Blessings of The Creator. The key for us is to know that we are always surrounded by this beauty every moment of every day.
Mother's Day
Tomorrow is Mother's Day here in the US. I live far from my mother and mother-in-law, so there will be no big gathering. Before we moved to the other coast, we all would get together at our house, the halfway point, and laugh and eat and enjoy each other's company. There was always plenty of food and laughter. For that, I am very blessed. I know there are many families where that is not the case.
We are commanded to honor our mother and father. But, how is that possible if there is a troubling relationship that seemingly prevents us from embracing that honor? How can we look at the gifts a parent has provided us if he or she has caused us pain? Where do we look for those answers? Where in our hearts can we find the place to get beyond the pain and see the joy of that parent and what we are/were blessed with?
We are commanded to honor our mother and father. But, how is that possible if there is a troubling relationship that seemingly prevents us from embracing that honor? How can we look at the gifts a parent has provided us if he or she has caused us pain? Where do we look for those answers? Where in our hearts can we find the place to get beyond the pain and see the joy of that parent and what we are/were blessed with?
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