Loving Flow within Discipline, 8 Day Omer 5785
Today is eight days, which is one week and one day of the Omer, in the year 5785. חסד שבגבורה, Chesed ShebeGevurah, Loving Flow within Discipline. Choosing the path of Discipline creates space for Love to Flow. Without boundaries, we fall into the lure of the Yetzer HaRa, the Inclination towards Destructiveness.
Discipline: The Boundaries We Choose
The literally meaning of Gevurah is Strength. Another word for this emanation of the Divine is Din, which means Judgment. In Biblical Hebrew, מוּסָר Musar, is translated as discipline. It also refers to character ethics. Proverbs 1-3 provides a great explanation of the Jewish understanding of Discipline.
Discipline is not the easy path.
It does not guarantee material wealth.
Musar assures right relationship with our souls and the Divine.
There is no prosperity gospel in Judaism.
Rather, we acknowledge that some will be wealthy through merit or inheritance.
Some will steal or manipulate their way into possessions.
Ultimately, Things don’t matter.
Being true to our inner Light is the true measure of a human.
Discipline Calls From the Flow of Love
When we know we are enough.
When we contemplate Meaning.
When we make space for The Good.
When we know we are Worthy just as we are.
We hear the call of Discipline.
We understand that clearing space makes space for Love to Flow.
Connection with our highest selves requires Discipline.
Connection with the Flow beyond ourselves requires Discipline.
Unending Love sustains us when we accept Discipline.
My Limits Spoke to Me
If I was following my heart, I would stay in my pulpit.
If I was following my ego, I would do whatever it takes to remain the spiritual leader of a congregation.
Not just because of my ability to tangibly touch other lives through this vocation.
But because this spiritual community feels like home.
Yet, my boundaries rose up.
They demanded to be heard.
The reality is I spent much of today asleep, unable to deal with the overwhelming pain I feel.
So, I must choose my Family.
My children deserve my attention and love.
My partner deserves a partner.
Therefore, I choose to tell my ego to sleep.
My body needs rest, though my mind remains sharp.
I am grateful for G!d’s gifts of wisdom and discernment.
We will all be where we need to be.
Eight Days of Omer Refracted Through Time
Grace within Boundaries, 5783/2023
Covenantal Love within Discernment: 2022 / 5782
Flow within Discipline: the light touch of holiness, 2020 / 5781
Your rod and Your staff guide me through the pandemic, 2020 / 5780
Contemplating martyrdom, Lori Gilbert Kaye, HaShem yikom dama, 2019 / 5779