Some of you already practice mindfulness. I wonder what your practice is. For those of the Jewish faith who are aware, preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins the month before in Elul, which began at sundown on Saturday, August 23. At that time, as if preparing for a wedding, we take an accounting of our souls, a “Cheshbon hanefesh.” It is a time for inner reflection, to see where we have been on target, or where we may have missed the mark.
You also are likely aware that we are body, mind, and spirit. First, we exist in the physical world, our bodies. Second, we have our intellect/mental part– what we think. Third, we have our emotional selves, including our heart and feelings. Finally, fourth, there is our “neshamah,” our souls, where we are connected to everything. You know those “AHAH!” moments where you suddenly see yourself as part of a whole beyond yourself. You can experience these worlds in a mindfulness practice.….
A Meditation
Sit comfortably. Take a moment to scan your physical body. How is it to you? Have you taken care of it this year? How would you like to? Take a moment and slow down. Inhale and exhale. Be kind to yourself, gentle, forgiving, honest. What is your truth? Blessings of your physical body?
Now, consider the mental aspects of your being, your thoughts? How are you growing intellectually or mindfully? What blessings of your mind are you grateful for? Is there something specific you want to learn this year in order for growth? Take some more gentle breaths. Listen to your body and mind. Inhale and exhale. Feel free to make some notes if you’d like to. Or trust that if you get any insights you will remember them. Maybe you will dance them, or draw them. Or maybe create a song!
Now, allow your soul, your “neshama,” speak to you. How do you nurture this part of you? What spiritual guidance have you acquired this year? How would you like to deepen your soul’s life, the one so closely connected to a Source beyond yourself. What gifts has spirit given you recently?
The work we do can be draining, as well as invigorating and inspiring. We must replenish our body, mind, spirit, soul. May you recognize the blessings of your life to believe you have the right as a human being to stop and take stock, to look within, to see who you are and, when necessary, begin again. It’s then we reach the newness of ourself and the New Year. Rosh Hashanah begins this year Monday evening, September 22. It becomes the month of Tishrei in which we yearly celebrate a love relationship with ourselves and the one some call God. When you take time to take stock you will be able to share with your clients the wisdom you gain so they, too, will know that it is safe for them to do the same. May you carry forth into your self a new beginning.
-Rabbi Yonina