“But,” a certain voice replies, “the world is falling apart. Isn’t it a bit self-absorbed to be focusing on personal spiritual renewal at a time like this? Isn’t this a distraction from the real problems of the world?” What I have learned from my own experience of mindfulness practice is quite the opposite. If I am un-centered, if I am given over to uncontrollable waves of anxiety, anger, or fear, then I become part of the problem, not part of the solution. I project my own insecurities and struggles out into the world. 

In Jewish parlance, religious practice is called avodah, “service.” My spiritual practice is in service to something higher than my own happiness (although that’s a nice byproduct!). I sit, I pray, I walk, I sing and I am silent, all in the service of seeing more clearly the world around me and discerning the wisest, most ethical course of action to take. 

Caption

As we reach the end of our first week of reflection, we turn to Rabbi Toba Spitzer and her teaching on balancing the need for self reflection and action in a broken world. 

Rabbi Toba joined us in April in our attempt to deliver food to starving Palestinians in Gaza. 

“There are plenty of voices of anger, of hysteria, of vitriol and violence, around me. I strive to be a different voice, and to take actions that promote peace, justice, and understanding.”

(Rabbi Toba Spitzer, Remembrance, Reflection, Repair: Elul Thoughts)