If you connect directly with the Light without the careful use of restriction (the decision not to have immediate gratification), you will reenact what happened in the Endless World when the Light fed the Vessel (without fulfillment) and created Bread of Shame (if these terms are unfamiliar, I explain them in The Power of Kabbalah.)
If you satisfy your desire right away without first becoming the cause of your life, the experience will burn you out. But that immediate delight can be so seductive that we find ourselves engaging in the same behavior again and again and again.
Break an addictive pattern today. Or at least set the intention to do so. Remember the deal you struck with the Creator way back when.
In what relationships and behaviors are you creating Bread of Shame?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
SHOCKED!
Reactive behavior creates intense sparks of Light but eventually leaves darkness in its wake.
Nestled within our reactive behavior is the desire for instant gratification. It offers a quick high that makes us feel alive and in control of our lives. We can become addicted to this feeling.
As we see in the case of a light bulb, when we resist reactive behavior, we generate Light. When we opt instead for instant gratification, we also create a very bright light. A direct connection occurs between our reactive desire (the negative pole) and the Light (the positive pole), producing a momentary flash of delight followed by darkness, because the bulb has burned itself out.
This is one of the unseen laws of the universe, not unlike gravity. If you jump out of a tall building, you will fall to the street below even if you are unaware of the existence of gravity. The same holds true of electricity. If you play with a live, high-voltage wire, you will get electrocuted even if you can't see the source of your demise.
Today, look into the areas of your life where you are sticking your finger in the socket. Ask yourself if the momentary jolts are worth all that pain.
Nestled within our reactive behavior is the desire for instant gratification. It offers a quick high that makes us feel alive and in control of our lives. We can become addicted to this feeling.
As we see in the case of a light bulb, when we resist reactive behavior, we generate Light. When we opt instead for instant gratification, we also create a very bright light. A direct connection occurs between our reactive desire (the negative pole) and the Light (the positive pole), producing a momentary flash of delight followed by darkness, because the bulb has burned itself out.
This is one of the unseen laws of the universe, not unlike gravity. If you jump out of a tall building, you will fall to the street below even if you are unaware of the existence of gravity. The same holds true of electricity. If you play with a live, high-voltage wire, you will get electrocuted even if you can't see the source of your demise.
Today, look into the areas of your life where you are sticking your finger in the socket. Ask yourself if the momentary jolts are worth all that pain.
The Real Source
Consider the light bulb in your ceiling. You flip a switch, and on it goes. But the light bulb is not the source of the light; the real source is an electric generator somewhere you can't even see. And there are rules around how much light can be emitted as well as when and why. The same is true with the Light of the Creator.
One of the common mistakes we all make is to confuse a person or thing with the Light. For instance, nothing feels as good as falling in love. So naturally we associate our girlfriend or boyfriend with those happy feelings and assume that person is the source of them. But it doesn't work that way. No other person can guarantee us the good feelings of love we are after. It's the way we act in relation to other people that brings the Light.
And that's what today is all about. Remembering that ultimately, your relationship to people and places is about your relationship to the Light of the Creator.
One of the common mistakes we all make is to confuse a person or thing with the Light. For instance, nothing feels as good as falling in love. So naturally we associate our girlfriend or boyfriend with those happy feelings and assume that person is the source of them. But it doesn't work that way. No other person can guarantee us the good feelings of love we are after. It's the way we act in relation to other people that brings the Light.
And that's what today is all about. Remembering that ultimately, your relationship to people and places is about your relationship to the Light of the Creator.
Google It
We each come to this world with a soul mission. However, most of us leave this world without ever having accomplished that mission.
We return back "upstairs" and realize we had our sights set on all the wrong things. If we are lucky, we get a chance to start over and come back again.
Why not get it right this time around? You don't want to go through the terrible two's again, do you? And puberty? I don't think so.
Why are you alive? What did your soul come here to do? These are worthy questions to ask of yourself today. Too bad we can't just Google what our life mission is. Maybe some day. But for now, the best way to find the answer is to ask the question. Ask enough times - and with intensity - and you will start seeing signs pointing you in the right direction.
We return back "upstairs" and realize we had our sights set on all the wrong things. If we are lucky, we get a chance to start over and come back again.
Why not get it right this time around? You don't want to go through the terrible two's again, do you? And puberty? I don't think so.
Why are you alive? What did your soul come here to do? These are worthy questions to ask of yourself today. Too bad we can't just Google what our life mission is. Maybe some day. But for now, the best way to find the answer is to ask the question. Ask enough times - and with intensity - and you will start seeing signs pointing you in the right direction.
Don't Take It Personally
How much pain and trouble is caused because we misinterpret what people say and do to us?
It's our ego-centric nature to think the worst and to take everything personally. It's not in our nature to think, I wonder what's going on for him right now? What pain inside caused him to do or say that?
When we take the actions of other people personally, this is our ego speaking, telling us that we are the center of the universe, that everything that happens in our lives revolves around us. Our ego is the veil separating us from the true, spiritual, 99% reality.
Today, know that the more you tame your ego-centric thinking, the more you don't take it personally, the more connected (ie. happier) you will be.
It's our ego-centric nature to think the worst and to take everything personally. It's not in our nature to think, I wonder what's going on for him right now? What pain inside caused him to do or say that?
When we take the actions of other people personally, this is our ego speaking, telling us that we are the center of the universe, that everything that happens in our lives revolves around us. Our ego is the veil separating us from the true, spiritual, 99% reality.
Today, know that the more you tame your ego-centric thinking, the more you don't take it personally, the more connected (ie. happier) you will be.
You Happen To You
How often have you heard or used the word suddenly? Suddenly she broke up with me; suddenly the coach kicked me off the team; suddenly my mom moved out.
But how sudden is sudden? For instance, have you ever woken up to suddenly find a new tree in your backyard? Or to find that your hair had suddenly grown ten inches? Or that you suddenly lived in a new home? Not likely.
"Sudden" implies a sense of chaos, a sense that things happen to us, rather than the deeper truth that we happen to ourselves.
Happening to ourselves is a good thing. No one else is calling the shots. And while this introduces a whole lot of responsibility for our thoughts, words, and actions, it also allows limitless possibilities.
We have already, perhaps unwittingly, shaped our past. And we have the power to shape our present and our future as well.
As you live today, keep this thought in mind: If something happens to me, I am locked in the physical. I am reacting. But if I am happening to me, good or bad, I am connecting with the spiritual. I am being proactive.
Don't expect to understand this completely now. This idea is a huge gold mine that will continue to yield riches as you explore it.
But how sudden is sudden? For instance, have you ever woken up to suddenly find a new tree in your backyard? Or to find that your hair had suddenly grown ten inches? Or that you suddenly lived in a new home? Not likely.
"Sudden" implies a sense of chaos, a sense that things happen to us, rather than the deeper truth that we happen to ourselves.
Happening to ourselves is a good thing. No one else is calling the shots. And while this introduces a whole lot of responsibility for our thoughts, words, and actions, it also allows limitless possibilities.
We have already, perhaps unwittingly, shaped our past. And we have the power to shape our present and our future as well.
As you live today, keep this thought in mind: If something happens to me, I am locked in the physical. I am reacting. But if I am happening to me, good or bad, I am connecting with the spiritual. I am being proactive.
Don't expect to understand this completely now. This idea is a huge gold mine that will continue to yield riches as you explore it.
Butterfly's Wings
According to Kabbalah (and theoretical physics), we are all interdependent.
Think about that. It means your presence on this planet matters. Just like the gentle flapping of a butterfly's wings, your actions resonate beyond your wildest dreams.
This means acting responsibly and not selling yourself short. It also means remembering that your neighbor's actions are resonating as well, so don't sell them short, either.
Today, know you are special. Make an extra effort. Because when you don't feel how special you are, spiritually speaking, you make it harder for others to feel it.
Think about that. It means your presence on this planet matters. Just like the gentle flapping of a butterfly's wings, your actions resonate beyond your wildest dreams.
This means acting responsibly and not selling yourself short. It also means remembering that your neighbor's actions are resonating as well, so don't sell them short, either.
Today, know you are special. Make an extra effort. Because when you don't feel how special you are, spiritually speaking, you make it harder for others to feel it.
Write Down Your Desires
hope I'm not the only one doing some writing. Journaling our thoughts, fears, desires, schemes, regrets, and fantasies is a powerful spiritual guide.
Are you up for a quick writing exercise today?
Make a list of your desires. Put down everything that comes to mind no matter how small or how foolish it may seem.
Just to get you started: I want to go skiing with my best friend this weekend, I want my sister to stop drugs, I want my children to stop fighting, I want to be a famous singer, I want to end world hunger, I want to save people's lives, I want to make so much money that my parents will never have to work again. You get the idea.
Just put that desire down on paper. When you've done that, write next to each desire how you think you might feel if you attained it. How might your life change?
Without knowing your true desires, you don't stand much of a chance of attaining them. So be honest!
Are you up for a quick writing exercise today?
Make a list of your desires. Put down everything that comes to mind no matter how small or how foolish it may seem.
Just to get you started: I want to go skiing with my best friend this weekend, I want my sister to stop drugs, I want my children to stop fighting, I want to be a famous singer, I want to end world hunger, I want to save people's lives, I want to make so much money that my parents will never have to work again. You get the idea.
Just put that desire down on paper. When you've done that, write next to each desire how you think you might feel if you attained it. How might your life change?
Without knowing your true desires, you don't stand much of a chance of attaining them. So be honest!
God Is In Everything
End of the month. Money is tight. Charges on the credit card are increasing. Rent is due. Tuition for schools is due too. The news gets funkier every day. The month of Cancer in general can be tough on the emotions. On and on and on.
What do we do?
Pray! Pray for the ability to acknowledge that God is in everything.
We all have blessings in our lives even if we're having trouble finding a husband or making money or getting our lives on track or battling illness or depression. Even when life seems its darkest, there's always a pilot Light burning. Somewhere. You wouldn't be reading this if there wasn't Light pulsing through your being.
Look for that Light today. 'Count your blessings,' as they say.
What are you thankful for, right now, right this second?
What do we do?
Pray! Pray for the ability to acknowledge that God is in everything.
We all have blessings in our lives even if we're having trouble finding a husband or making money or getting our lives on track or battling illness or depression. Even when life seems its darkest, there's always a pilot Light burning. Somewhere. You wouldn't be reading this if there wasn't Light pulsing through your being.
Look for that Light today. 'Count your blessings,' as they say.
What are you thankful for, right now, right this second?
Tough Love
don't do enough. I'm sitting here thinking about how many times I've avoided scanning Zohar or meditating on a 72 Name for a student who needs healing or going outside of myself to help others.
Really, I don't do enough.
And it hurts to be in this emotional place, when I see how I've let myself go in certain areas. But as long as it's pushing me forward to do more, then it's good.
This is something the 17th century kabbalist, the Baal Shem Tov, taught his students: if you are beating yourself up because you don't do enough, then it's just your ego talking. But if you are genuinely motivated by these thoughts, then it's your soul speaking.
Today, when you notice those places where you've gone soft or you don't feel that you are "doing enough", know it's a good thing. Instead of beating yourself up about it, think of it as some tough love from up above.
Really, I don't do enough.
And it hurts to be in this emotional place, when I see how I've let myself go in certain areas. But as long as it's pushing me forward to do more, then it's good.
This is something the 17th century kabbalist, the Baal Shem Tov, taught his students: if you are beating yourself up because you don't do enough, then it's just your ego talking. But if you are genuinely motivated by these thoughts, then it's your soul speaking.
Today, when you notice those places where you've gone soft or you don't feel that you are "doing enough", know it's a good thing. Instead of beating yourself up about it, think of it as some tough love from up above.
Identity Theft
Have you ever seen those warnings, "Identity Theft - Don't Be a Victim". It's actually quite kabbalistic.
We think we are who we are. Meaning, we think we are these notions we have of ourselves — black, white, man, woman, secure, insecure, lawyer, actor, son, brother, ADD, OCD, happy-go-lucky, whatever. But most of the time we are totally clueless of our real identity.
On a soul level, we transcend categories and mental constructs. We are souls, pure sparks of the Creator. And to tap that down into everyday language, we are love. We are compassion. We are giving. We are groundless. We are limitless. And of course, we are one. You, me, and everyone reading this, everyone walking around you in your office or on the street or wherever you are reading this, we‘re all connected.
Today, know that whoever you think you are, you are not him or her. Ask for guidance to be shown the real you. Reclaim your identity.
We think we are who we are. Meaning, we think we are these notions we have of ourselves — black, white, man, woman, secure, insecure, lawyer, actor, son, brother, ADD, OCD, happy-go-lucky, whatever. But most of the time we are totally clueless of our real identity.
On a soul level, we transcend categories and mental constructs. We are souls, pure sparks of the Creator. And to tap that down into everyday language, we are love. We are compassion. We are giving. We are groundless. We are limitless. And of course, we are one. You, me, and everyone reading this, everyone walking around you in your office or on the street or wherever you are reading this, we‘re all connected.
Today, know that whoever you think you are, you are not him or her. Ask for guidance to be shown the real you. Reclaim your identity.
Technology, Not Morality
If you were to never buy a book on Kabbalah, or take a class online, or attend one of our live events or holidays, if you were only reading this one email and I had just this one chance to share with you a secret that would change your life, it would be this:
Like attracts like.
God, from a kabbalist's perspective, is not a bearded man on a mountain top or a judgmental omnipotent being, but it's a force of sharing and concern and love. When you quiet down your thoughts and step away from your feelings - and just radiate concern for others - you attain affinity with God.
And the moment you create this connection, you are tapping into this force. This is where fulfillment comes from.
That's why love thy neighbor was the revelation of a technology, not a moral ideal!
Today, be God. Be thoughtful of what others are going through. Be happy for others' happiness. Be kind to people for no good reason. Be the creative force you can be. Everything else will take care of itself.
Like attracts like.
God, from a kabbalist's perspective, is not a bearded man on a mountain top or a judgmental omnipotent being, but it's a force of sharing and concern and love. When you quiet down your thoughts and step away from your feelings - and just radiate concern for others - you attain affinity with God.
And the moment you create this connection, you are tapping into this force. This is where fulfillment comes from.
That's why love thy neighbor was the revelation of a technology, not a moral ideal!
Today, be God. Be thoughtful of what others are going through. Be happy for others' happiness. Be kind to people for no good reason. Be the creative force you can be. Everything else will take care of itself.
Chubby Baby
Red String. If there's one thing everyone knows about The Kabbalah Centre, it's that we teach the importance of wearing it in order to protect ourselves from the evil eye. I'm certainly not going to be able to explain this seemingly archaic concept to readers in a mere paragraph. But for those of you who have been studying and wearing it, you know its powers.
I was reading this week in one of the ancient texts that ‘fish do not have evil eye because they are completely surrounded by water.
'Ok, a little weird. Who ever thinks of fish getting or giving evil eye. But the kabbalistic meaning of this concept is that water is chesed [mercy.] What I want to share with you about this is that when we immerse ourselves in the waters of a sharing consciousness, caring about others, the jealousy of people has no effect on us.
Be merciful today. Cut people some slack. Smile at people like you're smiling at chubby little babies.
I was reading this week in one of the ancient texts that ‘fish do not have evil eye because they are completely surrounded by water.
'Ok, a little weird. Who ever thinks of fish getting or giving evil eye. But the kabbalistic meaning of this concept is that water is chesed [mercy.] What I want to share with you about this is that when we immerse ourselves in the waters of a sharing consciousness, caring about others, the jealousy of people has no effect on us.
Be merciful today. Cut people some slack. Smile at people like you're smiling at chubby little babies.
Get Shocked
Restriction (the decision not to have immediate gratification) is something we have to recommit to every morning if we want to steer our lives in new and exciting direction.
We put ourselves through so much pain every time we dash after transient highs, whether it's a compliment or a purchase or an indulgment or literally a drug.
Many of us are aware of this, but we still can't stop. We can't help but stick our finger right in the socket. And we like it! But there's a price to pay. Hope this isn't sounding preachy, but let's be honest with ourselves.
Recommit to restriction today. It's the best path to revealing lasting Light. Yes, you will continue to shock yourself — that's what this game is all about. But just keep getting back on the horse. Every time you assert your conscious intent to restrict, you will be able to experience more real pleasure.
We put ourselves through so much pain every time we dash after transient highs, whether it's a compliment or a purchase or an indulgment or literally a drug.
Many of us are aware of this, but we still can't stop. We can't help but stick our finger right in the socket. And we like it! But there's a price to pay. Hope this isn't sounding preachy, but let's be honest with ourselves.
Recommit to restriction today. It's the best path to revealing lasting Light. Yes, you will continue to shock yourself — that's what this game is all about. But just keep getting back on the horse. Every time you assert your conscious intent to restrict, you will be able to experience more real pleasure.
Enjoy Yourself
I've got an unusual request today.
Do something that's just for you. Enjoy yourself.We are going through a tough time (The Three Negative Weeks.) There's a lot of judgment flying around (our heads.) And it's ok to find little pleasures that make us happy. Sometimes indulging in a fatty snack or taking an extra ten minutes on our lunch hour or going to the beach instead of the gym is just what we need to put a smile back on our faces.
Do something for yourself today, guilt-free. If you're not happy, then none of us are happy.
Do something that's just for you. Enjoy yourself.We are going through a tough time (The Three Negative Weeks.) There's a lot of judgment flying around (our heads.) And it's ok to find little pleasures that make us happy. Sometimes indulging in a fatty snack or taking an extra ten minutes on our lunch hour or going to the beach instead of the gym is just what we need to put a smile back on our faces.
Do something for yourself today, guilt-free. If you're not happy, then none of us are happy.
Goin' Down to Go Up
Years ago in Queens, a student of my father was in a desperate financial situation. He hit rock bottom; creditors were lining up at his door and he could barely feed his family. He was frantic. My father, with his typical certainty and calm, told the man not to worry, "this is a good sign!"
When we hit rock bottom, though it's painful physically, it is also a breaking of klipot [shells of negativity] that create barriers between us and our true fulfillment. Of course, no one wants to be in this position - it hurts! But at the same time, we want to have the courage to accept it. The faster we admit that the pain has a purpose, the faster it will fill its purpose and subsequently go away.
Remember today that temporary pain prepares us to receive lasting fulfillment. Have the courage to fully experience your pain. You'll be surprised at the messages it can bring you.
When we hit rock bottom, though it's painful physically, it is also a breaking of klipot [shells of negativity] that create barriers between us and our true fulfillment. Of course, no one wants to be in this position - it hurts! But at the same time, we want to have the courage to accept it. The faster we admit that the pain has a purpose, the faster it will fill its purpose and subsequently go away.
Remember today that temporary pain prepares us to receive lasting fulfillment. Have the courage to fully experience your pain. You'll be surprised at the messages it can bring you.
You Shouldn't Read This
I just want to tell you today that there are a lot of things you should be doing. You should be volunteering more. You should be taking more classes. You should be scanning Zohar more. A lot more.
How does it feel when you read this? Am I inspiring you? Or am I making you want to throw your computer [and me] out the window?
Should is a terrible, terrible word. It creates resistance, not rejuvenation. It implies that we are not enough. And it's a word many of us use in our own inner dialogue. And that's exactly one of the reasons we don't do the things we should do.
Should is never the reason to connect to the Light.
Today, if you're feeling disconnected or a lack in your life, know that first of all, it's a good thing. Because it's an OPPORTUNITY to use the tools of Kabbalah: to scan more, to share more, to love more, to break a habit, to expand your vessel.
Intention is the key here. Do it because you know it works. And do it with enthusiasm!But please, don't do it because you should.
How does it feel when you read this? Am I inspiring you? Or am I making you want to throw your computer [and me] out the window?
Should is a terrible, terrible word. It creates resistance, not rejuvenation. It implies that we are not enough. And it's a word many of us use in our own inner dialogue. And that's exactly one of the reasons we don't do the things we should do.
Should is never the reason to connect to the Light.
Today, if you're feeling disconnected or a lack in your life, know that first of all, it's a good thing. Because it's an OPPORTUNITY to use the tools of Kabbalah: to scan more, to share more, to love more, to break a habit, to expand your vessel.
Intention is the key here. Do it because you know it works. And do it with enthusiasm!But please, don't do it because you should.
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