Strength. Structure. Discipline. Frame within Beauty. Balance. Harmony. Art.
I was having some trouble connecting with this combination of elements. None of the clear visuals that I am used to receiving as I sink into the new day were emerging. Happily, a conversation I had with my mentor, Hazzan Jack Kessler, shook things loose a bit. He outlined for me an approach to singing based in the sefirot, which leaves me with an offering for today.
In this model, Gevurah is the Frame, the physical body. I'll let you in on a secret about singers - we are all totally neurotic. Our best Art is produced when we can get out of the way, but how oh how do we get there? In this vocal model, we ask our bodies to be the burden bearers of Self. There is plenty to focus on in the physical world when it comes to singing, and without a clearly established Frame, it's hard to get anywhere else. As I've heard it said, "If it ain't happening in Assiyah, it ain't happening!"
When we are dealing with Tiferet, we are necessarily dealing with Chesed as well as Gevurah, so I'll address that. Continuing with the model, Chesed is the Flow. There is Art and Spirit Flowing through us at all times. How do we avoid impeding the Flow? That's the Frame. Focus on the Frame, and make space for the Flow.
What is the result? Tiferet. Art.
Get it?
May you be blessed today with a Frame that allows for an Artful Flow in all of your endeavors.