Jewish Musings, Wednesday, August 3, 2016

[peachymom1]

What’s on your mind – how to make kugel? This week’s Torah reading? Life goals? Prayer? We are all engaged in weight loss/weight maintenance journeys and we are all Jewish or at least interested in Judaism. We like to eat, we like to discuss. It is our goal here to provide each other support on our journeys, to share experiences, to call on our rich cultural heritage and texts, and to help each other grow spiritually.

Some of us take weekly turns starting the thread:

Angelika
Holly
Lee
Louise
Lynne
Peachy

[peachymom1]

Good morning everyone!

I can’t leave the Torah portion of Balak without mentioning the accompanying haftarah, which ends with this text: “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what God demands of you: to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

From childhood, these verses have spoken to me. If life get difficult and you can’t figure things out, just come back to this snippet of instruction and go from there. Justice, kindness and a humble awareness of your Creator (or the universe, or science, or however else you might understand or explain your existence). If King Balak had thought this way, maybe he wouldn’t have needed Bilaam the magician at all. Bilaam himself would certainly be out of business if everyone treated each other fairly and kindly and communicated directly with God instead of trying to get there through Bilaam. To me, this small section of Micah is one of the cornerstones of Judaism.

Do you have a quote or a motto or a phrase that you try to live by? I’d love to hear it. It doesn’t have to come from a religious source; anything that’s meaningful or helpful to you would be great.

[lee058]

Good morning everybody. Hope you are all well today. Re today's topic: What comes to mind is Bob Marley's song, "Three Little Birds." I've always loved that song. When DS was a baby and had colic, I used to sing it to him.

Woke up this morning
Smiled at the rising sun
Three little birds
Sat on my doorstep
Singing sweet songs
A melody pure and true
This is my message to you:
Singing, don't worry
About a thing
Because every little thing
Is going to be all right (repeats).

Something about the simplicity of that song just speaks to me, and I have always found it very helpful.

I'm looking forward to hearing other people's helpful quotes, songs, etc.! Have a peaceful day, Lee

[savtele]

Boker Tov All! Peachy, that is my favorite Bible verse ever!

The other "motto" I like to think of is in Leonard Cohen's "Anthem" - "There is a crack, a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in!" We (I) get so bound up within our self-made prisons & often can't see the way out. But even a self-made prison is imperfect - because I made it. So somehow the light can get in through the cracks - and I will find the door!

Frieda, I am so glad you went with your list! And how was H2Oaerobics? (I'm still dealing with a summer cold - don't think anyone at the pool wants me to share my "joy!")

Louise - I love the hat on that little girl! She is adorable!

Lee - I love Bob Marley too!

Drinking coffee, waiting for meds to kick in.

Have a good day ladies!

[louise]

I love these. I can't think of anything else right now so I'm going to go with the simple "Hineini" (Here I am). When I get really lost I need to remember to just show up - for whatever is at hand, for a friend, for myself - whatever. Just be present.

I got through work yesterday but was thoroughly depleted at the end of the day. These past 2 weeks have, not surprisingly, taken an emotional toll. Didn't do quite what I had hoped foodwise but was better than the day(s) before, so I'll take it. I need to show up for myself today. In this context it means to be compassionate and nurturing with myself.

[hollygail]

I can't say I have a particular motto or line or song (etc.) that I live by. I have numerous favorites including Zeh ha-yom asah Adonai, nagilah v'nis'm'cha vo! This is a day made by God, let's rejoice in it (or, if you want to sing it, "let's rejoice and be glad that we're here" works with the tune I prefer). Psalms 118:24.

[hollygail]

Okay, Lee, the melody for the line "'cause every little thing / gonna be all right" is running through my head, and has been since I read your post!

And I have a "Hineni" story too. Once upon a time, I was driving to Shabbat morning services being held at someone's home. I'd been there before (in a VERY residential area), but didn't have the address with me. I got to the right street easily enough, but then I had to look at the front of each house to figure out which one was the right one. I thought I'd found it, but wasn't totally sure. There was one parking space fairly near that house, so I pulled into it. As I was straightening out the car in the parking space, I noticed the license plate of the car in front of mine. It said, "Hineni." I said out loud, "Here I am!" and of course, there I was, in front of the right house!

[lee058]

Hi again everybody. Reading everyone's comments, it strikes me how music, poetry, etc., somehow evoke deep feelings in those listening to them. I think one of the best things about this electronic age that we live in is how easy it is to hear beautiful elements that people have created. My DS listens to music practically all day, every day, for example.

In the past, people had to create music themselves or not hear professional music unless they happened to live in a city and could get to a concert. Now we can just turn on any electronic device and hear whatever we want! It's pretty amazing when you think about it.

Have a peaceful rest of the day, Lee

[happysavta]

My favorite philosophical message is from an Israeli song, "Kol HaOlam Kulo." Ofra Haza sings it, Shlomo Carlebach originated it, I think. The lyrics are associated with the teachings of Rabbi Nachman, the Bresler Rebbe (1772-1810).

The lyrics are about courage, of which I have very little. The song says simply, "This world is a narrow bridge. Don't be afraid."

Fear is the root of anxiety, you know, and inaction. If I really examined my WLJ, I'd be weeding a garden of fears, big and small.

And when you encounter an angry person? That's just fear put into action.

I slept through the 9 am. water aerobics class this morning, but I'm going to the pool to walk in the water with the water weights. I couldn't get to sleep until 3:30 am. last night. I got a text from DH that he's coming back on Aug.20th, but he also told me he will be leaving again for China in October. That upset me. But nothing I can do about it, so I have to take it in stride and just get to the pool and wash the floor and buy some groceries and get on about the business of life.

[louise]

Having a weepy day today. Everyone understands but it makes everyone uncomfortable. Will go home as soon as it seems reasonable to do so.

[gazelle18]

I am loving everyone's quotes!!

Holly, I love your Hineini story

I also love "This is the day the Lord has made. LEt us rejoice and be glad in it."

I often fall back on "This too shall pass." I need that one often!

I made it through Tuesday without a binge .... Now working on Wednesday!

[momof2]

Hi all,
My math college professor had us write down this mantra at the beginning of every journal entry.

"Inch by inch math is a cinch. Yard by yard it is very hard."

Replace math with life and there you go.

I had a good visit with my family. My weight maintained.

It is busy. DH is out of town, business meeting Tuesday night through Thursday afternoon/evening. Glad DD goes to school.

Waiting for the A/C guy to come. Our PG&E Bill was over $380! Need to try and figure out when he is coming so I can pick up DD at a good time.

Random, mind is every where today.

Hi to all,
Tamara