hazzan Diana Brewer was ordained through the aleph ordination program. she leads prayer services regularly at the jewish community of amherst, and is on the staff of the davvenen leadership training institute.

Omer Day 35 מלכות שבהוד Malchut SheBeHod

Reality. Actualization. Selfitude. Presence. Shechina within Gratitude. Glory. Awe. Wow! Space. Receptivity.

This evening, I had the opportunity to recall a time in my life when I thought that anyone who appeared happy was either delusional, completely clueless, or high. I would see someone walking down the street, looking happy, and think to myself, “She doesn’t know $&*% about ^$%&@!”

When I started learning a spiritual practice, I learned about a new Reality. As I’ve mentioned, I was told to “practice Gratitude.” I was taught to take active notice of the things that were going right. I was taught to give thanks for simple, everyday acts like doing my dishes, brushing my teeth, getting out of bed (sound familiar?).

It didn’t take long for it to be revealed that there is a joyful Reality in Gratitude.

Later, I was taught even to give thanks for the things that did not appear to be going right. That made for a whole new Reality. I don’t really understand how that works to this day, but when I step aside and am Receptive to practicing this radical form of Gratitude, I am left with Awe at its effectiveness. Another one we can chalk up to Divine Paradox.

May we be blessed this day with further Actualization through Receptivity to the unexpected. May we feel the Holy Presence within our simplest Gratitudes and our loftiest Wow! Moments. May we be delighted to discover new Realities within our Spacious selves.

Omer Day 36 חסד שביסוד Chesed SheBisod

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