Last week, we explored two of the five elemental tools which facilitate the High Holiday exercise we call Teshuva (which we translated as 'Re-Alignment with our Higher Selves). We addressed 1. Sincere Commitment and 2. Recognition of the Responsibility Inherent in our Very Existence http://www.chabadcentral.org/templates/blog/default_cdo/aid/555503/jewish/Rabbi-Mendy-Hersons-Blog.htm
3. A Caring Heart
Can I cloister myself in a cave and truly evolve as a human being?
Just think: Peace and quiet, contemplative introspection and unfettered attention to character refinement.
It would be a lofty exercise, but I wouldn’t be engaging life’s real frontier.
Genuine character is reflected in my daily interactions with other people:
Do I approach them with an open heart?
Do we take pain in their suffering?
Do we take joy in their triumphs (even when it’s something we feel it was something we ‘rightfully deserved’)?
Interpersonal relationships aren’t just an important facet of spiritual growth; they’re the key to everything.
Chassidic thought teaches that opening one’s heart to humanity is a key to finding intimacy with the Divine. How you feel about/towards people is an important test of how much you’ve risen above your own self-absorption. And once your heart is open to people, your ready for a meaningful relationship with G-d.
4. Maintaining a Higher Perspective
How often do you think about G-d?
When you open your eyes and experience the gift of sight? When you hear birds chirping, because you've been blessed with an auditory capacity?
How about when a problem hits you out of the blue?
When you're experiencing a beautiful moment?
When it's just a dreary day at the office?
'G-d consciousness' sees the world as an interactive universe. G-d is always guiding me, challenging me, cheering me on to fulfill my life's purpose.
I am given gifts, because they are my tools for life. I am given challenges, because they test my character and faith.
But I can see G-d everywhere in my life.
So this is a critical RH re-alignment question to ask ourselves:
How do I see the world: Is it mine, into which I invite G-d? Or is the world Divine at its core and my life's mission is to recognize that fact?
5. Staying Below the Radar
I think we all recognize the need to bring goodness to the world.
But there’s the action, and then there’s the motive.
What is the difference between a positive act in public view and one which is done in - and remains - private?
Obviously, a public Mitzvah is likely to earn others' gratitude, recognition, admiration etc.
Conversely, a 'below the radar' Mitzvah is between me and G-d.
But what’s the character difference? What can it tell me about own ‘alignment’ with the Divine?
The latter Mitzvah affords me a more honest awareness of why I do a Mitzvah; an ‘out-of-the-spotlight Mitzvah is more likely to be a genuine expression of my connection to G-d (meaning) and Divine values.
RH is a time for re-aligning ourselves, even with regard to the good we do. Would we be just as enthusiastic if it was sans recognition?
Think about it!
Xzavior wrote...