Freedom

 

"Without the possibility of choice and the exercise of choice one is not a person but a member, an instrument, a thing." Archibald MacLeish Spirituality involves the freedom to change. Growth requires a variety of choices. My past addiction was a life of slavery because it removed my creative choice and left me obsessing about drugs and alcohol. My life, conversation, and thoughts revolved around the bottle, and I was oblivious to the true meaning of life. My freedom to experience the...

Going Outside Yourself (KB)

 

Karen Berg
OCTOBER 30, 2022

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This article on the portion of the week was originally published in 2019.

This week’s portion is Lech Lecha, which means to “go out,” and these are the very words that God speaks to Abraham in the story. It is here that God appoints Abraham to be his messenger, to leave the place where he lives, to “go out,” and to spread spirituality amongst the world.

"Every person’s path is different."

The story always reminds me of the early days with Rav Berg in Israel. The Kabbalah Centre then was not like the Kabbalah Centre we know today. There were no study groups or student support, there were no teachers around the world, no local Centres which students could go to anytime to connect. It was just the Rav, myself, and a handful of students studying in Israel. We could have stayed that way forever. It might have, at times, been more comfortable and certainly a lot less work. Yet, we felt the Light calling upon us to “go out,” to expand our reach so that we could share this life-changing wisdom with more people. That was when we started spending more time in New York, where the Rav began teach and study with students out of a basement in Queens. It was a leap of faith, but if we had not made that leap, the many Centres you see around the world today might not have ever existed.

What does this mean for each of us personally though? Are we all supposed to leave the city we live in, and go out into the world and spread spirituality? I don’t think that’s the answer. For we know from last week’s portion of Noach that every person’s path is different. For me, the words “go out” don’t necessarily refer to a change in location, but a change in behavior. This week, we are being called upon to go outside of ourselves.

"We are being called upon to go outside of ourselves."

It’s not an easy task, going outside of ourselves. We all have goals in life, each of us with our own daily to-do lists, our agenda of things that must be done, and with all of this can sometimes come a sense of pressure, worry, stress, or strife. For some of us, it might be paying the bills; for others, it might be dealing with some kind of addiction or illness, God forbid, but no matter the specifics, we all face daily challenges. It can be so difficult to extend ourselves to others when we are so busy fighting our own personal battles. Yet, one of the greatest gifts of spirituality is the ability to help another with their problems even when we are going through our own.

That’s the spiritual level that Abraham achieved, as we read this week in the portion of Lech Lecha. Abraham faced many tests, many challenges, and yet it did not deter him from a path of sharing his love of God with others.

There is an energy that exists in the universe this week which can assist us to go outside of ourselves. This week, expand your circle of care by sharing not just with friends and family and those closest to you, but with whomever the Creator sees fit to cross your path at any given moment. Strike up a conversation with someone, look into the eyes of the person standing next to you, and take a moment to ask people how they’re doing, how their day is, how you can help. Even when we are in the throes of our own troubles, our own darkness and despair, this exercise of going outside of ourselves can bring the Light to bear on our own darkness. As I often say, there is a program that exists in the cosmic that when we take care of others, the universe takes care of us.

Wisdom Quote

 

Stay foolish. Question: Do you agree life is hard, mysterious, and unpredictable? If yes, a good phrase to repeat yourself is "stay foolish".  It will help you navigate life more smoothly.

Nature

 

Nothing is evil which is according to nature. -Marcus Aurelius Oscar Wilde once said that a book is not good or bad; it is either well written or not. Sometimes we think that something is evil because it is different. Gay people have suffered from prejudice, as have people of color. Today more people understand that what God created is not evil. Our true nature is never evil. And there is a wonderful tapestry to life. This is the theme of Say Yes to Your Spirit. The things from God are true...

Wisdom Quote

 

On this day of your life

 

I believe God wants you to know ...   ... that it is time to stop hiding something from someone. This is the day of your liberation.   Whatever you are keeping from another is not worth withholding. It will eat away at you if you are not careful. It can do more harm to you than "telling" ever would.   Speak your truth, but soothe your words with peace. Reveal what you've been keeping secret. In the end, transparency is best, although it may feel uncomfortable for a while.

Trying to Please Others (OM)

 

We may not realize until we are adults that we are living our life to make our parents happy. Most of us come to a point in our lives when we question why we are doing what we are doing, and many of us realize that we may be living our lives in an effort to make our parents happy. This realization can dawn when we are in our twenties, our forties, or even later, depending on how tight a hold our family of origin has on our psyche. We may feel shocked or depressed by this information, but we can trust that it is coming to us at this time because we are ready to find out what it would mean to live our lives for ourselves by following the call of our own soul and refusing to be beholden to someone else’s expectations. One of the most common reasons we are so tied into making our parents, or others, happy is that we were not properly nurtured when we were children. We were not honored as individuals in our own right, with a will and purpose of our own. As a result, we learned to look outside of ourselves for approval, support, and direction, rather than within. The good news is that the part of us that was not adequately nurtured is still there, inside us, like a seed that has not yet received the sunlight and moisture it needs to open and to allow its inner contents to unfurl. It is never too late to provide ourselves with what we need. There are many ways to create a safe container for ourselves so that we can turn within and shine the light of awareness there. We may join a support group, go to therapy, or start a practice of journaling. This experience of becoming is well worth the difficult work that may be required. In whatever process we choose, we may feel worse before we feel better, but we will ultimately find out how to live our lives for ourselves and how to make ourselves happy.

Give All And You Will Receive All (EC)

When I say to you all I have is yours, I mean ALL, but it is up to you how much you are willing or capable of accepting. Remember you are the one who limits. I AM limitless. I withhold nothing from those who truly love Me and put Me first in everything. Over and over again I have impressed upon you that as you learn to give all you will receive all. Accept this truth, put it into practice, put it to the test, hold on to nothing. Never for one instant think of lack, see always My abundant supply, see My storehouses full to overflowing. Realize that all your needs are being met even before you voice them. Your material needs and your deep spiritual needs. All I have is yours, never at any time forget this, hold it ever before you and manifest it in form.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM - 866

 

• ·       "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the meek, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to set the spiritual prisoners free." - from Jesus' 1st Synagogue Talk, at Age 15

  ·       A broken heart leads to pain. Pain and reflection leads to wisdom. - Maxime Lagacé

  ·       "We love to wonder, and that is the seed of science." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

  ·       Divine Spirit, let me see the wonderful mystery of life even in the ordinary.

  ·       "Beyond fear, lies joy." ~ David Hawkins

  ·       "Occidental civilization of the twentieth century groans wearily under the tremendous overload of luxury and the inordinate multiplication of human desires and longings."

  ·       The less you judge, the clearer you see. - Maxime Lagacé
  Thoughts:
  Fear = We judge. We create friction. Love = We accept. We create peace.

  ·       "Urantians should count it all gain if the blunders of their ancestors and the mistakes of their early world rulers so plunged the planet into such a hopeless state of confusion, all the more confounded by evil and sin, that this very background of darkness should so appeal to Michael of Nebadon that he selected this world as the arena wherein to reveal the loving personality of the Father in heaven."

  ·       All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. - Walt Disney

  ·       I dream with my feet planted on the ground.

  ·       Be a loner. That gives you time to wonder, to search for the truth. Have holy curiosity. Make your life worth living. - Albert Einstein

  
  

Wisdom Quote

 

On this day of your life

 

I believe God wants you to know ...   ... that it is okay to be at a place of struggle. Struggle is just another word for growth.   Even the most evolved beings find themselves in a place of struggle now and then. In fact, struggle is a sure sign to them that they are expanding; it is their indication of real and important progress.   The only one who doesn't struggle is the one who doesn't grow. So if you are struggling right now, see it as a terrific sign -- and celebrate your struggle.

Making Life Work for You (OM)

 

Running your life and your household is a bit like running a business, for which some things can easily be delegated. Sometimes we have so many responsibilities in our lives, ranging from work obligations to caring for children to running a household, we feel we cannot possibly make it all work. We may feel overwhelmed in the face of it all, ending each day feeling hopelessly behind schedule. However, regardless of how frustrating this can be, these are the parameters that make up our lives, and we owe it to ourselves to find a way to make it work. Like the president of a large organization, we must first realize that we cannot do every job ourselves. The first step to sanity is learning how to delegate some of the responsibility to other people, whether that means paying someone to clean our house or trading childcare duties with another parent. In addition, we might find places where we can shift our expectations in ways that make our lives easier. For example, expecting ourselves to create a healthy, home-cooked meal every night after a full day of work, errands, or caring for a child may be a bit excessive. We might allow ourselves to order food once in a while without any guilt. Accepting the adjustments needed to make our lives work is an essential ingredient to being at peace with our situation. At the end of the day, we must come to terms with changing what we can and accepting what we cannot change. Sometimes the laundry piles up, a sick child demands more of our attention than usual, and we temporarily get behind with our schedule. Accepting this momentary state of affairs and trusting in our ability to get back on track when the time is right, we gracefully accept our life as it is, letting go of perfectionism and embracing life as it stands.

Stand Up When It’s Difficult (MB)

 

Michael Berg
OCTOBER 26, 2022

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This article is also available in: español | Deutsch | Português Brasileiro | italiano | français

Abraham had two brothers, Haran and Nahor, and it is in the portion of Noach that Haran dies. The Ari tells us that Haran was later reincarnated into Aaron, the brother of Moses, a tremendous spiritual giant; the name Aharon has the name Haran in it, with the addition of an Aleph, which represents an injection of the Light of the Creator.

"Understanding our uniqueness and how everything is always perfect."

During the time of Abraham, people believed there were many forces in the world, and that different idols should be worshiped to help with different things. But Abraham began realizing that there is only one unique force behind this world, and that connecting to and unifying with it, instead of worshiping these different idols, is where we have to focus our energies.

However, Terach, his father, was a great idol worshiper whose life’s business was selling idols to many people. So, when he saw his son, Abraham, start to go against not only him, but also his business and the world, Terach went to Nimrod, the leader at the time, and told him to do something about his son, to which Nimrod threw Abraham into a fire. As we know, a miracle happened and Abraham was saved from the fire, and he started changing the world. But what was going on with Abraham’s brother, Haran, during all of this?

When Terach told Nimrod, “Kill my son,” Haran was there. Rashi tells us in the Midrash that Haran was one of those people who didn't want to get too involved, or take a stand, especially when it could lead to death or trouble. Specifically, it says Haran is “sitting,” which means he is not taking a stand. Haran decides that if Abraham were somehow miraculously saved, it would mean that he is telling the truth, and so he will follow his path, but if Nimrod succeeds in killing Abraham, it would mean that his path is the right path, and so Haran will follow Nimrod. Haran, therefore, is making it very clear that he is not going to side with one or the other; and while he thinks Abraham is right, he is not willing to sacrifice his life or even put himself in the middle of it. Only when the miracle happened and Abraham was saved, did Haran say, “Okay, I am on Abraham's side,” to which his father responded by then throwing him into the fire, and he died.

"The Creator reveals to us the source of our Soul."

Why did Haran die and Abraham live? It is about the responsibility to stand up, and not just when things seem easy. Abraham was saved not just because he stood up, but because he stood up immediately, he stood up when he had no idea what was going to happen by doing so - death or life. Haran, however, stood up only when he thought things  would be a little easier, when Abraham had already proven the path. But because Haran was waiting for it to be easier, he lost his chance in that incarnation to correct himself.

The understanding we get from this is that if we do not stand up for our path, in time, we may have to come back for a whole other incarnation and do it. The Ari, in section 33 in The Gate of Reincarnations, speaks about the incarnations of Aaron, and of Haran’s next step as Aaron. Haran was reincarnated as Aaron, an unbelievably righteous person. But, in truth, he came to this world to correct only one thing: to stand up. Aaron spent 24 hours a day sharing, helping, and making peace, but all of his great work was not really what his soul came to this world to correct; there was only one moment in his life for which he came into this world, and that was when the Israelites wanted to make the golden calf. They came to him and said, "What do you say, are you with us or against us?" It was the same question that Nimrod asked Haran.

In the time of Abraham, Haran answered, "I'm with Abraham," but he said it late, when it was easier, and so, he was reincarnated into Aaron. What happened when the test came again? He couldn't say it and made the same mistake. And while he was not going to make a golden calf, he wasn't going to stand up until a little bit later, and, as such, he didn’t correct. Certainly, Aaron reached great heights, but he did not achieve the correction of Haran.

The Ari says that Aaron, to achieve his correction, actually was meant to have himself be killed at that moment. But then, why in that moment did Aaron start thinking about all the reasons he shouldn't give up his life? Because that was the reason he was in this world. And this is true for all of us; every single time we have reasons and excuses not to become uncomfortable, not to stand up for something difficult, we need to stop and think it’s because doing so is the only reason we are in this world. The last thing in the world that we want to do, the most difficult thing for us to do, is the thing we are actually here to do.

We are unique in who we are, and we are unique in what we are here to correct. Both the good things and the terribly uncomfortable things are what make us unique, and they are why we are in this world. The Ari says that every single person needs to know the source and root of his soul. How does the source of our soul become revealed to us? When we come to this understanding and keep drilling it into our mind that the most uncomfortable and challenging things that are happening in our life now are all part of the process to bring us to reveal our uniqueness. Living with this consciousness doesn’t necessarily take away the difficulty of standing up or being uncomfortable, but it can give us joy in doing it.

We want to start looking at our lives in this way, to come to the understanding of our uniqueness and how everything - the difficult, the good, the uncomfortable - are all perfect for the development of our unique Light. When we begin to really know and live this, the Creator not only starts revealing the source of our soul to us, but also, we can begin to become full of joy from the difficult and uncomfortable times, because we know they are exactly why we are here.

Wisdom Quote

 

Liberty

 

"Life without liberty is like a body without spirit." Kahlil Gibran I suppose one of the most important qualities of life is liberty, also known as freedom: the concept of saying and doing what you want and when you want, as long as you are not knowingly hurting somebody else. Spirituality is about proclaiming this liberty. Earlier I've said that I don't want to live in a religious box. Let us be clear; religious addiction and religious abuse exist. In the name of God, some people are hurt,...

On this day of your life

 

I believe God wants you to know ...   ... that safety is not the thing you should look for in the future. Joy is what you should look for.   Security and joy may not come in the same package. They can...but they also cannot. There is no guarantee.   If your primary concern is a guarantee of security, you may never experience the truest joys of life. This is not a suggestion that you become reckless, but it is an invitation to at least become daring.

Visiting Sacred Sites (OM)

 

Visiting a sacred site can be a useful tool to open something within you that has remained inaccessible. From time immemorial, humans have built sites guided by both the earth’s life force and benevolent beings of light. It is because of this guidance that the sites we deem sacred have long served as repositories of wisdom, energy, and illumination that can be accessed by all. What inspires us to visit sacred sites varies. Some crave spiritual fulfillment above all else, while others hope to draw upon a site’s energy for enlightenment, healing, deep meditation, and even awareness or knowledge of information long gone. Sacred sites can appear insignificant to those who close themselves off from the notion of a living earth. But sites can provide us with a link to a unified consciousness that involves the living and the dead, infinite cultures, the physical plane, and the spiritual world. When we look beyond well-known sites like Stonehenge, we discover energetically active sites such as the Iron Age Halliggye Fogou caves of Cornwall, England, or the pyramids of Meroe in Sudan. It is also easy to imagine that hallowed places exist only in remote or exotic locales. Yet many of the most vital sites are easily accessible, and visiting these lesser-known sites can be a profoundly moving experience. One such site, Serpent Mound in Ohio, was thought to be created by the ancient Adena peoples nearly 1,000 years ago to align with the summer and winter solstices. Its precise purpose remains unclear, but many who visit the site conclude that it was meant to be a conduit through which cosmic energy could flow into the earth. The sacred sites that call to you from afar, capturing your imagination and resonating deep within your soul, will nearly always be those that can help you forge a deeper connection with the divine energy that sustains all life. During your pilgrimage, reaffirm your intention to accept whatever gifts are conveyed to you through the sites you visit. Your receptiveness will help you establish lasting relationships with these sites so that you can draw upon their peace and power from wherever you are.

CoDA Weekly Reading

 

My First CoDA Meeting

I remember my first CoDA meeting as if it were yesterday. Of course, I had no idea of what to expect but I had certain expectations. Sounds ironic, doesn't it?

It was January 20, 2020. My fiancé and I went to the meeting thinking it would solidify our relationship even more. What we experienced was a small group of people who were warm, friendly, and welcoming.

The meeting agenda was structured and organized. What I remember most was that no one was pressured to speak at any time. Of course, there was CoDA-approved literature available but there was no "hard sale" so to speak.

What I remember the most, however, is how safe people felt and how comfortable people felt about sharing their feelings. There was no criticism - only acceptance of what and how each individual felt at that particular time. I knew then my perception of what I thought the meeting would be like was incorrect. I also knew I would return. This was something new for me and I liked it! Thank You CoDA!

Little did I know that a seed had been planted in me that would blossom into a wonderful garden. I have always hated gardening because I believed I had a black thumb. I now appreciate the beauty that can come from a person's effort and labor.

Before I knew it, I had a sponsor, realized I had writing skills, studied the Steps and Traditions, slogans, but most of all I learned that I could live life instead of just surviving life by sharing my hopes, strengths, and experiences. I shared my fears, my failures, and my successes. My home group became my family. They are always there when I am down or depressed and lift me up and encourage me. They are understanding and patient. I want to thank them for helping me learn and believe in myself.

Today, the seed that was planted in my first CoDA meeting has sprouted and grown into a beautiful garden. Of course, as with any good gardener or farmer, in order to yield the fruits of their labor they must remove all the nasty weeds.... something I work on daily.

My weeds are all my character defects such as isolationism, low self-esteem, judgmentalism, denial, fear of failure, perfectionism, and martyrdom. My CoDA garden has become my "Labor of Love" so to speak. I am slowly replacing my weeds with acceptance, kindness, generosity, patience, self-confidence, and humor.

I have planted several seeds since that first meeting. It never occurred to me before CoDA that I even deserved to have a beautiful garden. What a wonderful place to find oneself as I learn to live life. I know I couldn't have done it without the encouragement of my sponsor and my home CoDA group.

I am so glad I have found CoDA because now I know I don't have to live in fear. And I know I can become a master gardener. Thank you, CoDA for being there for me!

Linda C. 7/8/22