Yesod SheBeMalchut. Grounding within Majesty. Bonding within Dignity. Foundation within Majesty.
I was reminded today of an aspect of Yesod, which is the influence of those who have gone before - our ancestors, our teachers and guides. When I boil Malchut down to an experience of the Indwelling Divine Presence, my first thought is that my Foundation IS within Malchut. But then I can't help but think of all the people that have been a part of bringing me to that wonderful reality. I think of my mother, who brought us to church with the hopes that my brother and I might find a spiritual connection there. I think of my father, totally not interested in religion and deeply agnostic, but who demonstrates great faith and trust in the general OK-ness of things through the way he lives his life. I think of my dear friend from college (with whom I am still very close), whose daily meditation practice I so admired. I think of my sponsors in recovery, who taught me how to build a relationship with the G8d of my understanding. I think of the people who have guided, and continue to guide me step by step into and through my Jewish learning and practices. These are too many to enumerate! Through the Foundation of these teachers and companions, I have been able to build my Foundation in Divine Presence. It is through my Foundation in Divine Presence that I experience my Dignity and any Leadership abilities that I possess.
Who are the people that have contributed to your sense of Dignity? Who has contributed to your growth in relationship to the Divine?
Let us take some time today to appreciate the teaching and guidance of Those Who Have Gone Before us. Let us reflect on their contributions to our sense of Divinity and of our Majestic selves.
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For a couple of different Omer counting guides try mishkan.org or chabad.org.