Nurture the Nature Within

Contemplate the natural forces of nature; air, earth, fire, and water, which when they are held in check, are aids to our lives. When they are out of control, such as hurricane force winds, or rain/snow storms or floods, or a firestorm, they cause havoc in our world. Instead of harnessing their energies for the good, their massive force is unleashed and we see just how powerless we are in their wake. The only thing we can do in these times is to figure out how we'll survive. And the magic of it is that life goes on. We get another day (most of the time).

In Genesis, it is written "The Almighty said 'Let us make adam/man in our image and likeness." (B'reishit 1:26). Many interpret this by saying that we contain all of the universe within us. If this is so, then we have all of the elemental forces of nature within us too. What happens when we keep those forces in check? We lead our lives in balance and calm, using these forces for the good. But, what happens when we are out of balance, and we let our fire burn through the normal defenses that keep it in check? We are apt to overreact, get so angry that we say things we don't mean, and leave destructive emotions in our wake. Where is the balance of the elements out of balance in your life? How can you reign them in? What help do you need from The Almighty?

Hineni, Sh'viti

There are 2 Hebrew words that guide my life: Hineni and Sh'viti.
Hineni means Here am I. It's what Abraham said to God when he was preparing to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrifice as a test of his pure faith in HaShem. Hineni implies that you and HaShem are united as a force.... no expectations, no ego, be-ing in the present moment in the exact place and time you are. I say that word to myself often during the day, especially when I find myself drifting and not focusing on where I am. If you are lucky enough to remember your dreams, think about the state you are in while in a dream--you are completely focused on what is happening at the moment. What if you could live your life as you do in a dream? Completely focused, letting things unfold, taking action where appropriate, being in the flow. In the Here and Now.

Sh'viti means I put God always before me. The verse "Sh'viti Hashem l'negdi tamid" means I put Hashem in the forefront of my mind. There is a kind of mandala used by Kaballists that is meditated upon to put one in that frame of mind, to put one in the compassionate mode, if you will. Both of these words go together in my mind (and heart) because when I put God before me, I am in the present moment, coming into living with a compassionate heart for my self and others.