Life is a Classroom

Life is a classroom with a never-ending series of pop quizzes. That’s why we’re here.

True Prophet

A true prophet speaks not for him- or herself, but for the Source (Gen 41:15-16).

The Budding Prophet

While others sit, will I stand? While others are silent, will I speak? While others acquiesce, will I challenge? Am I ready to travel a lonely road? Questions for the budding prophet.

Loving Your Neighbor

“Love your neighbor as yourself” and “made in the image of God” means: Loving your neighbor takes you on the path to loving the Source.

Authentic Energy

No matter where we go and with whatever people we are spending time, we carry with us the authentic energy that makes us who we are.

40 Years in the Wilderness

40 years in the wilderness. Enough time passed for Jews to unlearn slave habits.

Awe and Reverence

Awe and reverence are my spiritual touchstones.

Life Unfolding

Allowing life to unfold takes courage, flexibility, and patience.

YHWH

YHWH, “Lord” (adonai), actually means “that which brings into being.” In other words, YHWH is the Source, the source of all that is.

“God” is a Label

‎”God” is a word, a name, giving us the illusion that we somehow control whatever “God” is. We don’t. That’s why Jews have no name for “God.” That’s why most Buddhists have no “God” at all.

Breath

Breathing is life. Breathing is words. Conscious breathing draws us closer to creation.

A Mitzvah

In Hebrew, a mitzvah (often translated “commandment”) is not an order, but a commitment to be aware of what is holy and to act accordingly.

Self-Interest and World Repair

The Source implanted self-interest in humans in order that they might be able to repair the world.

Take Off your Shoes

Every moment of life is holy. Acknowledge it. Say a prayer and meditate. Take off your shoes.

The Road We Travel

While on the way, we often delay or rush or wish we were on another road. But this is the way appointed for us (Gen 45.24).

We are Energy

We are energy, body and soul, a stream of light in the body and soul of the universe.

Ruach

Often translated “wind” or “spirit”, ruach in Genesis 1:2 refers to the underlying force of existence and the universe: ” “Energy.”  It’s gender is feminine and is frequently understood in Jewish tradition (especially mysticism) as a feminine counterpart to a more masculine organizing creator.  Whether or not these gender connotations are useful or accurate in some way, they offer a picturesque and poetic way of describing the ultimate.

Ruach

Ruach is pregnant energy, partner of the Source in creation (Gen 1.2).

Dreams and What Matters

Instead of getting caught up in the trivia of day-to-day life, we may glimpse at what really matters through dreams.

We are Adam’s Kin

We are Adam’s kin, born out of earth’s womb, ready to return to her loving warmth.

Symbols and Meaning

Symbols are the path to meaning. They help makes us human. They allow us to connect to one another and to the universe.

Symbols

Symbols express the core of who we are.

Joseph and his Brothers

Joseph seeks his brothers (Gen 37:15-16). He does not really find them until they find one another at the end of Genesis.

Walking inside Ourselves

When we walk through a familiar building, our home or workplace, we are also exploring the pathways of our unconscious and of the Source.

Symbols Let Us Experience Life

Symbols are the vehicles through which we experience life. Daily activity gives us the illusion that events are tangible and symbols are codes. Dreams allow us to see symbols as they are: the force that channels energy into form.

Jacob Wrestles Again

Jacob wrestling with No-Name: Can we really put a name to most of our struggles? (Gen 32:23-33)

Jacob Wrestles

Jacob wrestling with No-Name. That’s what we all do most of the time, isn’t it? (Gen 32.23-33)

Symbols and Feeling

Symbols express feeling at the most profound levels. If we do not interpret symbols, we are not fully in touch with our feelings. Without symbols, history describes people as automatons, stick figures empty of life.

Learning from each Person

There is always something to learn in every place and from every person.

Waking Anesthesia

Under waking anesthesia, life moves as a dream does. Time contracts. Moments take on greater meaning. Events do not flow from one to another, but from symbol to symbol, forming a poem and a painting.

Truth’s Wrinkles

Seeing Truth’s wrinkles helps me to stop making the same mistakes.

Wings of Gratitude

The wings of gratitude carry me to the present moment and allow me to enjoy it.

Patience Takes me by the Hand

Patience takes me by the hand up to the summit of the mountain to view life’s panorama.

Love Your Neighbor

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” “Yourself” is not your I, but your divine spark, the authentic you. (Lev 19:18)

Integration

Integration: Making sense of opposites; living in diverse realms; finding a way to enjoy eating chocolate, garlic, sushi together: ONE

Anxiety

Anxiety: millennial residue; protection, also subversion; when transformed, a gateway to self-discovery, community renewal.

Calm

Calm: Long-sought after, so difficult to attain, yet right in front of us.

Opening Our Eyes

Opening our eyes is often difficult, but worth it.

Meals as Holy

The Source is an honored guest at every meal. Show it hospitality by taking pleasure in good food and by eating with gusto (Gen 18).

We are not our Habits

We are not our habits, our patterns, or our roles. We are something else altogether.

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