"I was here 1st!" "I don't think he knows what he's talking about
anyways." "I don't have time for this." "I can't believe he swerved in
my lane!"
Many words like these are spoken or at least thought of almost every
day by each one of us. We all know how very hard it is to leave room
for another person. Why are we like this? Why do we feel annoyed with
others when our "space" is entered? Whenever our ego or outlook is
threatened?
Interestingly, Chassidic Philosophy addresses this issue, explaining
that there is an extremely deep source for these egocentric feelings:
G-d Himself.
Before the world was created; before any angels or spiritual worlds
existed, there was only One Being and Existence: G-d. As Kabbalah &
Chassidus explain, G-d and His "Infinite Light" (expression) Filled
all. There was none other Besides for Him. Purely Infinite, without
room for any other existence.
Then something unbelievable occurred: G-d Decided to Contract (Hide)
His Infinite Light (called "tzimtzum" in Kabbalah), making possible
room for another existence. Spiritual worlds ensued, followed by the
physical reality we see today, concluded finally with man and woman,
created in the Image of G-d, placed here on our earth.
Since we are all created in the Image of G-d, Chassidus explains, we
humans have (so to speak) the same feelings as G-d Does: Each of us
feels in a way, that we are infinite. I am all that exists. Oh, but
you exist too? You're only a detail in me. How do you better help me?
In imagination, there are people who feel that they don't end. Adam
the first man had everything he could have ever wanted in the Garden
of Eden. Only 1 thing was off limits! But Adam felt infinite...
True this is my nature; but G-d Created me this way; I'm in His Image!
So how can I be expected to limit myself and make room for others?
Because G-d Did just that. By "Contracting" His Infinite Light, G-d
Gave us a lesson and the ability to do the same.
We are able to, and need to, contract our egos and make room for
others around us. This is the Only chance at having a true
relationship with another person; a friend or colleague, a spouse or
family member. To be silent once in a while. To sit and listen
attentively to another.
This also applies to our relationship with G-d; To curb our egos and
realize there's someone Greater than ourselves, Greater than our
little world, who is Speaking to us all the time, but we just never
took a minute to stop and listen. To stop and think for a moment: why
am I here and what's this amazing world for?
Like our forefather Avraham of old, let's sit alone in nature: near
the constant beating of the ocean waves under the setting sun, or
anywhere away from school, the computer or TV, and gaze out at G-d's
amazing creation for a second. It can be while lighting candles before
Shabbat or during prayer, or even under your covers before falling
asleep: Let's be silent for a moment. take a second out of our busy
day and just wonder: What am I here for and what's this all about?
I wasn't always here. I was created. Why?
By placing ourselves to the side a bit and opening our hearts to G-d
and to those around us, may we merit everlasting Peace and Joy with
the Final Redemption with Moshiach Now.
Shabbat Shalom
-daniel
If you want to see a short and touching video of kindness:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
No comments:
Post a Comment