#BlogElul 9: See

Photo: blacksheepfilmworks.com

There's lots to see in Penn Station's Sunday sea of humanity. Every color of skin from freckled ivory to midnight black, with varying shades of cappuccino, latte, cafe au last, and creamy cocoa in between. And a rainbow of hair colors, too, purple, and green, and aqua, too.

Underneath, though, each of us is the same -- a vessel for a divine spark, even if it's not always visible.

In 5776, may my own spark be easily seen, and may I see the spark in others -- even if I have to look for it.

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima,this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precedes the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serves as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year.

#BlogElul 8: Hear

My world is filled with so much background noise and static that sometimes it's hard to hear the things that really matter.

Mostly, it seems, I hear one-sided cell phone conversations. Narishkeit.

Honking horns. Car alarms. Revving engines. Ambulance sirens.

Someone else's music. Blaring car radios. Firetrucks.

Inane chatter.  Jackhammers. Back-up beeps.

Dogs barking. Garbage trucks. Too much talking about nothing.

"Please step away from the door.  Please step away from the door. Please step away from the door."

Stand clear of the closing doors. Stand clear of the closing doors. Stand clear of the closing doors."

Too-loud music. Blenders making frappacinos. Endless words with no message.

Then this morning, I heard NPR's Scott Simon report on Jimmy Carter's recent press conference at which "people of all political faiths got a glimpse of [his] personal courage, grace and goodness. Simon went on to describe Carter's role in ridding the world of guinea worm, which previously had caused debilitating parasitic infections in 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia.

Last year, 126 cases were reported.

How refreshing to hear about something that really matters.

You can hear Scott Simon's full report here:

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima,this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precedes the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serves as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year. 

#BlogElul 7: Ten Things I Hope to Be in the New Year

1. A generous, caring daughter, sister, niece, and friend.

2. A traveler: to Michigan to visit Aunt Claire; to Chicago, a city I haven't seen, and home to friends I don't see often enough; and to California for more visits -- the Wilcox Azimovs, the Harrises, and Julie, one of my newest friends.

3. A reader who downs books as fast as others down beer on Super Bowl Sunday.

4. More carefree and maybe just a little irreverent, à la Lenny Thal,  Jake Jacobs, or Elliott Kleinman.

5. Less nervous, impatient, and frustrated by daily encounters.

6. Patient and tolerant in day-to-day interactions.

7. Helpful to and supportive of my BRCA sisters.

8. A blogger with time to write meaningful posts.

9. Grateful for each and every blessing that is mine.

10. Content with myself and at peace in my life.

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima,this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precedes the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serves as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year. 

#BlogElul 6: Know

5776...

Knocking at the door

New opportunities, hopes, dreams, and wishes

Offering a fresh start

Welcome!

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima,this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precedes the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serves as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year. 

#BlogElul 5: Accept

Dear Lady in Fairway,

When you walked by, I noticed that your left ankle turns in just like The Mums'. You have her posture, her body type, and you push your shopping cart just the way she did -- leaning down and into it for support. I wanted to like you, to catch a glimpse of your face, perhaps share a smile.

Until you pushed that shopping cart straight to the front of the "No Carts" check-out line -- as though none of us holding heavy hand baskets or sliding them forward with our feet as the line progressed was standing there, waiting patiently.

#BlogElul 4: Seven Things I Understand About My Soul

Here are seven things I understand about my soul:

1. My soul is pure. As we recite in the morning liturgy, Elohai, n'shaman shenatata bi t'horah hi. My God, the soul You have given me is pure.

2. My lifelong eagerness to please and my aversion to risk live in my soul.

3. Also rooted there is a reluctance to admit my true feelings -- sometimes even to myself.

#BlogElul 3: Search

Photo: rominirani.com

Having pretty much given up on the search for my bashert, I don't yearn for much.

Sure, when it comes to my day-to-day life, I'd like a bit more financial stability, less stress (OK, a significant reduction in stress would be great), and some tweaks in my professional world, but who wouldn't?