When we "see" how wide is our frame ? For ex, if a loved one is impatient with us, do we also see (and remember) all the times s/he is patient? The Hasidic mas ter s often talk about "narrow consciousness - mochin d'katanut" vs. "expanded consciousness - mochin d'gadlut." Yes, we see what we see, but from what vantage point? One can have an incredibly Continue Reading
Are You Ready? A Roundup of Elul Inspiration and Resources #BlogElul
The Hebrew month of Elul begins one month before Rosh Hashanah (in 2013, that means it begins August 7.) For some, the High Holy Days represent a time to gather with family and friends, eat apples and honey and wish each other a Happy New Year. For others, the High Holy Days, and the 30 days surrounding them can be a profound endeavor in soul searching, Continue Reading
Connecting with Breath and Spirit
Every living being breathes. From our first breath to our last, we are given this unasked-for gift. Our breath arrives for us each moment like a miracle. And then our bodies answer, with our exhale out into the universe - letting go, releasing a bit of who we are to the All. It is the single biggest bestowal of our lives and one that we most often take Continue Reading
Blessing Practice
As we begin to turn toward the season of forgiveness, for ourselves and others, there are several practices, we can learn that help soften our souls. One beautiful (and effective) practice that helps us cultivate compassion in and for ourselves and for others is called Blessing Practice (or Lovingkindness Practice). My teacher Sylvia Boorstein teaches about Continue Reading
Life lessons from the saddest day of the Jewish year
On Tisha B'Av - the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av (July 16, 2013) we commemorate and mourn the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples in Jerusalem. For modern Jews, how might we make sense of this? A profound teaching may be uncovered from this little-known day: the fall of the Temple reflects the times in our own lives where things fall apart, where Continue Reading
