The cycle of our days

Sunset from Kibbutz Gezer

ופרוס עלינו סכת שלומך

The Hebrew prayer Hashkiveinu, asks God to protect us throughout the night, that we may rise the next morning to life renewed, safe and full. The request, and the simple idea of asking God for something that isn’t even tangible, the guardianship of our soul, is an incredible one. We ask daily that good guard us, and in the morning pray again, thanking God for returning our soul to us, for allowing us to continue God’s work.

            The miracle of the morning is indeed incredible. Awesome, some might say. To me it surly is. Life is about each day, about the adventures we take and the people we will find. Who are we to take advantage of the time we have here on earth, to mess with the amazingness that is each one of us. Our unique qualities, combined with those around us, create daily blessings, ones we simply have to look for in order to appreciate.

            However, with each life, as with every thing in its time, the final moments arrive. Still, as Jews, we say Hashkiveinu in the evening and Modah Ani in the morning. Whatever opportunity is the last to be given us, we have thanked God for our souls, either for protecting them in advance or for restoring them to us. And in the end, there is thanks. Maybe not in that specific moment, but in some moment. We all matter. We all have souls, Nishamot, worth saving and protecting. We all need to remember to shelter ourselves, to protect ourselves, to nurture ourselves.

            Judaism teaches that if you save a man, it is as if you have saved an entire world. In this case, if you save yourself, you will save whatever might be coming next. Consider it. You too are important. You too are worth saving. Maybe prayer is not the way you need to do it. Maybe words and God are not your modus operendi. But whatever your way of connecting with the world, recognize, even for a moment, the power of you.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” –Marianne Williamson

HU C U as I AM!

We were asked to write reflections about the beginning of our time here at HUC and what that means to us. Mine is more of a prescriptive poem, about what is happening now/may occur in the future than what has happened or what I feel about coming here. Just some thoughts on a previously black and white screen.
Watch, wander, wonder.
Listen, learn, love.
Explore, Expand, Expound (upon)
Feel, fear, free.
We  step into each day,
Putting on our faces, our masks of safety
Walking into the doors of HUC,
Watching others to see their sure step.
Listening to voices, droning on about nought
Waiting to feel at home and at peace.
Exploring each option, weighing pro and con
Accepting that time is the surest scale.
Israeli connections, Hebrew tests too,
Learning abounds here, whatever you do!
Nothing is solid, not written in stone,
Forge your own path, wander alone!
Or even with someone else close by your side,
The love of this place already in your eye.
Fear and trepidation, our natural foes,
They keep us in check (along with the crows).
However you see them, don't let them overwhelm,
Look forward with wonder, you're there at the helm.
So therefore keep going,
Watch the sun set today.
You've started a journey
A process away.
Not far will you go,
But to glimpse a distant shore.
That place is your future,
Holding all that and more.
Grab hold of your heart,
Make sure it beats strong.
As surely you'll need it,
The days may grow long.
Adventure awaits us,
T'fillot, tiyulim and more,
Today holds the promise,
Of tomorrow and those days of yore.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us." -Marianne Williamson

I've become interested in the Olympics recently. Actually, a specific sport has brought the olympics closer to the forefront of my thoughts. The road to the Olympics, as well as the immense power that comes with being an elite gymnast fascinates me. I've spent most of my free time here watching gymnastics (which coincidentally happens very late into the night).

However, today I was watching an introduction to the Olympic contenders video and this quote at the top of this post was spoken. It spoke to me. All of these gymnasts feel their power every time they go out on the mat, the bars, the beam, or any of the other apparati. The sport breeds strength of will and determination, passion and skill. It ingrains a person with such dedication and motivation, which inspires me every time I see it.

The quote gave me pause. I considered that we worry so much about how we present ourselves and what others think of us. We are constantly trying to measure up to others and be the best self we can. If we spent half as much time thinking about how great we actually are and how much we are truly capable of, instead of worrying about other people, we might actually be better off! Indeed, we may be happier, stronger, more secure people. And the more we can feel that power, beauty and strength, the more we are capable of and the more we will believe in our abilities.

As I am not solidified in my opinions and ideas, I relish feedback and opinions. Do other people have thoughts on this idea?