Elul gets our souls ‘warmed up’ to start fresh for the New Year.
For Elul this year, I am pleased to share with you words from some of my favorite teachers from whom I have learned a great deal over the years. Some may be familiar and some may be new to you. I will bring you selections from the Sfat Emet, Henry David Thoreau, Rabbi Jonathan Slater and more plus my commentary on them. I welcome your thoughts.
Please share brief teachings from your favourites. If you have a special text, verse, poem, or prose that has influenced you during your life, please send it to me at rabbiplumb@mishkantefila.org .
Praying with our Body
A Kavannah/prayer for the day:
‘It takes courage to face life’s challenges. It takes understanding to accept life’s unfairness. Just as the Israelites left Egypt with faith as their weapon, so do we harness our inner strength to navigate tumultuous moments in our lives. Adapting, changing, coping, growing, challenging ourselves to rise, to overcome our demons, to accept our inevitabilities… And to rejoice each and every day in our endeavors.’ Yoga Shalom by Lisa Levine and Carol Krucoff A posture for the day: Warrior I
‘Warrior I pose helps us find the inner strength to change the things in our lives that are in our power to change. Feel the power of the Warrior fill your body and being.’
Stand at the back of your mat (or rug), and step your right foot forward, allowing the toes of your back foot to turn out slightly to the left.
Steady and strengthen both feet in a wide open stance, with the right foot in a line in front of your left foot.
Inhale and lengthen your body up through the crown of your head. Then exhale, and bend your right knee, so that it tracks directly above your right toes.
Inhaling, gently lift your arms up toward the sky, with your palms facing in toward each other.
Exhale and release your shoulders, so they drop gently down. Breath several breaths in this pose.
Be gentle with yourself–only stretch your arms, or bend your knee, as you feel comfortable.
Now, switch feet and step your left foot forward.
Follow the instructions above with the opposite feet.
