It is now the beginning of the 6th week as we count up to Shavuot and this week is Yesod. Over the past two weeks we have moved from looking at obstacles that need to be overcome (Netzach) to surrendering or at least suspending our notions of what the outcome of our plans need to be (Hod). Some of you have mentioned that it seems at times this past 2 weeks that it is a ‘holding of opposites’—overcoming and surrendering go hand in hand.
The definition of Yesod is foundation. The question is how to define, what foundation means in the context of the using the Sefirot system to look at commitment to change? Yesod is also defined as “truth” or “integrity” and in this context it challenges us to take one long hard look at what we are committing to and whether we really are going to act with full integrity.
There is a relationship between integrity and self-doubt. We can doubt in ourselves—can I really follow through or, as has come up in a few class discussions this week: is what I am changing really significant? I want to encourage you that even a small change is very important as any change is significant in realizing that change is possible.
Without doubt we might not know how significant the change is and without a doubt any change is significant.
Day 36 – Chesed in Yesod
Chesed is the love of self (and others) that is motivating the change. We have to remind ourselves of the original reason for picking the change we committed to (and you can still expand, contact or change what you are committing to change) and see now how love can aid us in remaining with integrity about our plan for change. There have been so many trying times these past few weeks with family issues and I have needed to remind myself that love is ultimately the force that draws us together as a family. I felt like giving up but instead fought through the challenges because I want love to win out—for love to be the reality that we deserve. I need to remain strong in my love this coming week.
Day 37 – Gevurah in Yesod
Gevurah is self-determination, self-definition. There will be doubt and that is the nature of things—to doubt. Strength is not eliminating doubt; rather it is living with it and still moving forward. We are now ready to face the doubt and even use the feelings generated by the doubt to re-enforce our determination.
Day 38 – Tiferet in Yesod
Take out the blueprint and look at it in light of the doubt you have experienced over the last two days. Now is not the time to evaluate the plan as much as it is to evaluate your determination in light of doubt. This is your final edition of your plan. You are all in!
Day 39 – Netzach in Yesod
The determination of Yesod is bolstered by the energy of Netzach to overcome any and all obstacles. Self-doubt is removed through the awareness that all can be accomplished even though the obstacles may now be clearer as seen through the filter of doubt. Be truthful about the obstacles—don’t let them serve as a final deterrent to your plan for change.
Day 40 – Hod in Yesod
Hod tempers the determination so doubt can yet again have a foothold as one faces obstacles or outcomes that seem intractable to change. We need to remember that surrendering is part of the process of finding our truth.
Day 41 – Yesod in Yesod
Up to this point we have focused on Yesod as an internal process—but truth be told we are never alone in our growing and others can help. If we share with others they can help us to insure that we remain in integrity. On this day of Yesod in Yesod we look at our relationship with others—are we in consonance with them or struggling with them? In the battle for determination over doubt we need the support of others and today is the day to reach out and ask for that support and encouragement and the truth.
Day 42 – Malchut in Yesod
It is now time to manifest the hard fought truth or to let go completely (perhaps the plan is now seen in a different light). Are you ready to manifest the change? Today is declaring I am ready. I leave any vestige of doubt behind.
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