Practicing Awareness

by Melanie Gruenwald

Last December 31st, Salomon, Hannah, Micah and I spent New Year’s Eve together. We each took a moment to write a personal note to our future self, reflecting on hopes and dreams for 2022. I was sifting through a kitchen drawer this morning and found these letters.  I can’t wait to bring them out for the family to reflect, as we welcome 2023.

Before we know it, December will be over. We are navigating through days of darkness, holidays of light- finals and winter break for the kids- a bit of a slower pace on email and business transactions.

I’d like to invite you to take a few minutes to engage mindfully in the space that is being created between now and the secular new year. This is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the Kabbalah Experience’s Transformative Kabbalah Awareness Practices.

Transformative Kabbalah Awareness Practices

1. Attend to what shows up as a reflection of what you need to learn and grow into. (Malchut)
2. Be fully present to what is present and integrate past and future into this moment. (Yesod)
3. Accept reality as it is. Let go of regrets and resentments and be grateful. (Hod)
4. Set intention and overcome obstacles. Remain open to possibility. (Netzach)
5. Hold opposites and find common ground. Be compassionate and seek forgiveness. (Tiferet)
6. Set boundaries for greater focus and intimacy. (Gevurah)
7. Expand your concern, caring and love for all who exist in the ecosphere. (Chesed)
8. Recognize all the masks you wear so they don’t wear you. (Da’at)
9. Understand the metaphors that underlie your stories and life choices. (Binah)
10. Witness the creation of story from no-thingness and release your attachments. (Chochmah).
11. No more questions. No more answers. Being is wordless. (Keter)

Write yourself a letter this year—

How might you incorporate these practices more mindfully into your day to day life?

How can you set measurable outcomes for reflection in the days and months ahead?

What feels attainable to you- and what feels like a giant stretch?

Feel free to explore the Kabbalah Experience learning resources, and print the Awareness Practices image to keep close at hand.

I’m curious to hear what shows up for you on this journey.

Warmly,

Melanie