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Printed from www.10easythings.com |
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Printed from www.10easythings.com |
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TRY THIS:
To improve the High Holy Days and your entire year, remind yourself as often as you need to: More Important Than "Knowing", is "Doing".
WHY IT HELPS:
So, how do you stop the ruminations of a restless mind, to quell the inner dialogue and doubt?
Remember to Remember: More Important Than "Knowing", is "Doing". Meaning, it is more important to keep busy, doing deeds that will certainly add goodness to yourself and to the world, than to wonder, ponder or worry about your future.
This is not to suggest that a heart yearning for G-d is misdirected. On the contrary, longing for connection and seeking a path of holiness are innately Jewish, and very pure.
But at some point we reach our limit of understanding - we are forced to admit our knowledge will always be limited. This is the first step on the holy journey towards a life of faith - a deeper relationship with G-d.
Granted, there are times when introspection is fitting (ie, during the High Holy Days.) But, if worry, doubts, and "dark-dread" begin to shake your heart, remember that you and your mind were created by a Creator greater than you. And, your life is purposeful. Right now, your purpose is to focus and refocus on G-d's essential existence, and absolute dominion over all creation.
It's not scary. It's comforting. It's good to know you're on the right team.
And during the rest of the year? If your inner questions drive you to enhance your Judaism, they have enhanced your life. But if you find yourself worrying, or seeking closure on matters only G-d controls you won't see a benefit.
So displace the darkness. Shift into "Do" mode, and teach your mind who's boss. Do deeds of loving-kindness that make the world a better place. The possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas:
"Knowing" is the mind's desire. It seeks to understand everything. Our mind asks:
Questions like these leave "mind" disappointed, for the answers lie outside of its realm. But the questions return -- and haunt us.
Make you own list. The goodness you can add to the world is limitless.
DEEPER MEANINGS:
These traits send "what's-gonna-be?" questions out the door. Now, your mind space is reserved for things that help -- thoughts that lead to action.
Does it sound intimidating to show your brain who's boss? It does, if you think you ARE your brain. But, you are really much more.
You are first and foremost a pure spiritual being, created
by G-d. Your spiritual self resides in your body for the duration of your time in this world, to use your physical body for spiritual, meta-physical ends.
In contrast, our brain is the part of us that processes nerve signals, has memory banks and helps us navigate our physicality. "Brain" is central to the body, but not central to a faith-based life, for the brain can only grasp what it can experience. Faith is on a different plane of existence.
The well known verse in parshat Shoftim "Tamim Tihiyeh im Hashem Elokecha" tells us to be of pure, perfect faith with G-d. Rashi tells us it means living life as G-d presents it to us and not making inquiries into what the future holds.
So, shift those troubling thoughts aside, and replace them with great deeds, making your corner of the world a better place bit by bit. Everyone can do this. No cost. It's not the money you invest in your deeds -- it's the heart. G-d wants your heart.
How much "heart" can you offer back to G-d this year? Try 1% more than last year -- that's a huge amount of personal change, since your heartfelt prayers now have a deeper, outwardly-focussed direction. Rest your trust and your heart with G-d, the One who gave them to you to begin with.
May we all have a great year, full of great deeds, and free of haunting thoughts. Future knowledge is in G-d's realm. Great Jewish Deeds are up to us.
When you change your mind's focus from you and your situation, to those around you and improving their situation you become an emmisary of generosity and loving-kindness.