Eternity. Active Will. Willful Action. Victory. Day-to-Day. Long Haul within Space. Receptivity. Peak. Wow! Awe. Glory.
I have a special fondness for Omer days in which either a sefirah is combined with itself, or, like today, two seemingly opposing forces combine. The word “seemingly” is crucial here.
Today, Netzach - the Active principle - meets Hod, a principle that guides us to step aside, make Space for the will of another (especially G!d). Let’s be very clear, however, that making that Space is NOT a passive act. In this way, Netzach and Hod are most definitely not opposing in the sense of opposite. If I’m to step aside, I must make a decision, and it is most definitely an Act of Will.
Let’s take parenting - one of my favorite life activities to hash out in these pages! How many parents have been admonished on how many countless occasions to “choose your battles”?
It is breathtakingly easy to go to an argument I have been invited to. Not so much to step aside and make Space for something else to evolve. That is where my Active Will must come into play.
It is easy to meet sarcasm with sarcasm. Not so much to counter by entering a Space of sincerity.
Best way to get my kid to do something I would like her to do? Ask sincerely and get out of her way! So easy to say…
I have been very aware recently that, as sincere as I am in my spiritual practice, there are ways in which I can - and want to - be practicing another kind of connection with the Divine. A daily reader I have been reading for many years teaches us to “practice the presence of G8d.” What does this mean? As I contemplate it in the context of this Omer day, a day of seemingly opposing forces converging, I see it as taking the initiative - engaging my Active Will - to enter the Space in which I am Receptive to the great Wow! At any given moment.
Doesn’t that sound nice?