What do people think about you?

One of the best things for our spiritual growth – and also one of our biggest fears – is hearing what other people think about us.

When the Holy Temple still stood in Jerusalem, it is said that inside was a mirror one could look in to see the state of one’s soul. When the temple [and mirror] were destroyed, the Zohar teaches that people became the mirror for us.

As we take stock of our lives in this month, preparing our wish lists for the new year, we want to be facing those truths which only others can show us. Don’t do it out of weakness, do it out of strength, knowing that the moment you hold your darkness up to the Light, it burns!

Today, feel the burn of whatever emotion comes up as you ask at least (3) people what they think you need to work on the most. If there was one thing you needed to change for next year, what would it be? And maybe tell them about this risk exercise you’re doing. See where that takes you.

Both the Light and Satan are speaking to you

In our daily lives, as spiritual people, one of our greatest struggles is to look past the hologram that the ego projects: I’m a victim, no one understands me, that was my idea, I’ll show them, and so on.
One of my favorite classes in the Spirituality for Kids curriculum is the one where we teach kids to turn down the volume on the voice of the Opponent, and turn up the volume of the voice of the Light. The kids understand that they’re bombarded by the broadcast of their Opponent, so why is it so hard for us as adults?
Today, turn down the voice of the Opponent and turn up the voice of the Light. You’d be amazed at the beautiful background music you’ll hear the sounds of your soul.

Tell The Truth… Even if it hurts

It’s difficult to be lovingly truthful with others. When an opportunity arises to confront someone with the truth, we lock up; our hearts race and our adrenaline pumps at the mere prospect of speaking our mind.

It’s always easier to tell people what they want to hear. It’s more comfortable to agree with someone even if we don’t agree in our hearts.

Fear of speaking the truth is a stumbling block we face in our desire to experience fulfilling, honest and loving relationships. When we hold something back, that something separates us from the other person.

Today, be courageous. Open your mouth when you need to tell the truth.

The Math of Spirituality, Bliss, Abundance, and Love

We start off every day with our Light and dark forces in perfect balance. 50/50. The Creator oversees the entire the process. Every time we give in to a reactive behavior, we tilt our scale down. Every time we accept an opportunity to help, to extend ourselves, to do something unexpected, we tilt it up. It’s math.
Today, keep score with your feelings, thoughts and actions. It will help you to not just keep a healthy balance but to overcome darkness. Because sometimes things may look dark but in reality you are just one stretch away from being in the Light.

Are YOU Lazy? Procrastinate?

“I’m not a risky person. I would love to be, but I am just too lazy!” (August 27th response from reader)

You are not lazy. Your body is, yes, but not YOU. In his book ‘Path of the Just,’ kabbalist Rav Luzzatto explains the body has an inner-gravity that keeps everything down and as is. Reaching out, being active and spontaneous, doing something new .. these require so much effort because the body wants to keep things to itself.

He warns us to be ever-vigilant in our battle against the downward pull of our bodily thoughts (I’ll do it later, I can’t, I don’t want to be bothered, It’s not going to work anyway…)

Is our soul lazy? Of course not, because being lazy is being bounded and totally controlled by time, space and motion. Our soul wants to and can achieve all our dreams and desires, but it needs to be liberated from the heaviness of the body.

The only way to float against gravity is to act. Like they say on those late-night TV commercials: ACT NOW … ..OFFER EXPIRES.

Today, be impulsive. I know that word has a negative connotation but I’d like to use it anyway. For me it implies listening to your gut, jumping into situations to jump start your self, and leaving no space for thinking, rationalizing, or procrastination.

You know, just do it.