Here’s what I know: Nothing is wrong.
Yes, I know that sometimes it can certainly feel so very wrong, and very difficult. And our hearts are breaking.
But remember: This physical dimension (out of the infinite dimensions of Being) is designed to facilitate the deepening of love, and the awakening of Unity consciousness–often through challenge.
Here is a three-part blueprint that I have learned over my lifetime, to navigate this world of challenge:
- Enlarge the context
- Grow in compassion
- Do what needs to be done
What if we kept an awareness of this blueprint in our consciousness as we meet the challenges of this world? Those challenges are both personal and global. Knowing that even death is safe changes everything. Knowing that I am a soul that is embarking on a human adventure, not all of which will be enjoyable or predictable, changes everything.
Having that transforming awareness enlarges the context. It directs me to see this life as an experiment and as an opportunity to grow my soul, remember who I am, and delight in the colors, tastes, fragrances, music, and texture of this world that I’ve been given. This awareness that I am a vast soul connected to God sends me on a journey of learning and pleasure. I am journeying towards the full realization of my divinity. The only way to find my divinity is through my humanity.
As I engage with this world of delight and of suffering, I am moved to value and cherish every relationship with every creature, knowing that we are bound together by our shared adventure. My heart is opened by this poignant beauty to a great love. When my fellow creatures suffer, I am moved to compassion.
As I grow in compassion, it feels so obvious that I will do what needs to be done. I will do what I can to heal, to comfort, to feed those who are hungry, to defend those who are vulnerable, to open pathways of creativity, inspiration, and justice. These actions are the natural overflow and expression of my love. Each of us holds a uniquely special piece of the puzzle of this great love, and we are sent on a mission to discern what that is and to fulfill that purpose.
When I don’t know exactly what to do, I can bless. And my blessing has its own unique power. Really. I can lift up and support others who are doing the holy work of love and justice. I can let myself be inspired by their wisdom and passion and courage.
The important thing is that when outrage, despair, or debilitating fear arises within us in response to the enormous challenges that we face, we can remember and remind each other: “Oh! We signed up for this curriculum.”
And as we rise to the challenge before us, we can use it all to awaken love and find our joy, knowing all the while that we are in this together.
Rabbi Shefa Gold received her ordination both from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and from Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, and is the director of C-DEEP, The Center for Devotional, Energy and Ecstatic Practice. Shefa has produced ten albums, three apps, and is the author of 4 books:
Torah Journeys: The Inner Path to the Promised Land , In the Fever of Love , The Magic of Hebrew Chant , and Are We There Yet? Travel as a Spiritual Practice. Her new project -Love at the Center, is an immersion in The Song of Songs- a mystical text that is meant to transform our lives so that we can transform the world. You can reach her through the website: ( www.RabbiShefaGold.com )