Author's Corner:
Studies in Psychology and Spiritual Growth
Added 1/24/2005
5:14 PM |
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File Under: "Author's Corner"
I do associate my beliefs primarily with one specific religion, however I search for and enjoy incorporating the wisdom of other religions wherever I may find it.
The majority of my educational background is predicated on the concept of functional adaptation. Embracing change when the instinct is to fear such transition. I came across these readings and mistakenly took them to be of Buddhist origin due to the strong similarity to the basic teachings. Much to my delight, it was Judaism that spoke of no real constant except Change.
From Sacred Therapy: Jewish Spiritual Teachings on Emotional Healing and Inner Wholeness by Estelle Frankel:
"it (change) is a space where we no longer are who we used to be, yet haven't become who we are becoming". She goes on to illustrate that these times are most often ignored by modern society because we can't find a way to place them into a greater context.
Rabbi Isaac Luria defines the three stages of creation that apply to personal rights of passage.
"tzimtzum (withdrawal from ordinary life), shevira (shattering of old connections) and tikkun (healing and restoration)."
"Knowing we are on a journey that has distinct stages-and knowing where we are on the journey-can help us find our balance when the very ground on which we have stood is shifting"-Frankel
"Jewish mystics of old were acutely aware that in those moments when things feel most broken and hopeless, tikkun becomes possible.".... "This essential optimism is at the very core of the Jewish mystical tradition, which sees every person as a participant in the healing of this broken world."- Frankel
"All transitions-in the earth, in ourselves-produce great energy. If we are able to stay focused and remain flexible, these forces can allow us to withstand and overcome nearly any obstacle. From the depths of crisis comes the possibility of transformation-for as long as the journey continues."- David Kalmansohn.
Every passing minute...
Added 12/21/2004
3:14 AM |
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Every passing minute is another opportunity to turn it all around.
-V.S.