The Calendar is presently taking us though a journey known as the ‘Omer’. As we disengage from [our personal] Egypt, and make our way toward receiving the Torah in a personal and authentic way (which we celebrate on the forthcoming Holiday of Shavuot), go through a process of self-analysis (click here to count the Omer tonight).
This week, we explore the psycho-spiritual energy: 'Gevurah'.
'Gevurah' translates as 'strength', the strength of bursting through the restraints of inertia, habit, distraction etc. Gevurah is breaking free.
A simple example. Last week’s exercises were about finding closeness with others. But even the beauty of closeness needs conscious calibration. Sometimes you need to ‘break free’ of the closeness rhythm to allow for the other person’s space.
Do we leave space for our loved ones to be themselves? Do we make space in our conversations, to really hear them when they speak?
Sometimes you need to break free of your closeness tendency to discipline and guide the other, because that’s what the other truly needs at this time.
Apart from love, the human psyche has other powerful forces: Pride, ambition, jealousy, appetite etc. Whenever we break free of those strong internal patterns, we're exercising Gevurah.
When a social setting is 'compelling you’ to say something disagreeable (or to betray a confidence etc), do you 'break free' by restraining yourself? When we actively – and courageously - choose a proper response (which may mean silence), to a [perceived] provocation, that's Gevurah.
In the words of the Talmud: “Who is valiant (a ‘Gibor’, one who has ‘Gevurah’)? One who conquers one’s impulses.”
Gevurah is avoiding confrontation out of strength, not fear. It's taking your life back from the situation’s grip.
A slightly different side of the same internal flow: When we pray or meditate, we need to break free of life's tumultuous tide to find inner quiet. That's Gevurah.
But Gevurah isn't only an inward motion (self-restraint etc), it also flows outward.
The human psyche is prone to inertia; the status quo is comfortable and movement takes effort.
'Breaking free' means passion (where our ‘internal traffic-controller’) deems appropriate). When our blood begins pumping, when we feel excited and emotionally engaged, that's Gevurah.
Disciplined or passionate, it’s a time for authentic strength, which means choosing the direction of your soul.
Have a meaningful Omer week.
ב"ה