When I was young, I used to dread Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. It represented hardship to me. No eating or drinking for 25 hours. I remember the withdrawal pains, how me and my friends used to smell gum wrappers and candy bars and reminisce about the joys of eating.
Today, my approach to Yom Kippur is much more spiritual. I don't really miss food. Okay, maybe a cup of coffee would be a nice way to start the day and stave off a possible headache, but I have been weaning myself off of coffee for the last two days, so that shouldn't be a problem.
As an adult, I appreciate the higher level of meaning that is relevant to living a deeper and more meaningful life. One of the concepts that is particularly pertinent to me is that we get the chance to self-reflect and be absolved of past sins. We get to end this day with a clean slate, and can create an intention for how we want to live our lives from this day forth.
When we take responsibility for what we are creating, with each encounter, every decision we make, every thought we have, action we take, we have a chance to live a more authentic life, one where we are not victims but active participants, no matter how tough the going gets.
On this Yom Kippur eve, I wish for all my friends and family, Jewish or otherwise, a year of abundant blessings, happiness, and emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. Enjoy creating your amazing life!
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What a wonderful blessing which I receive with joy and deep gratitude. And what a wonderful thing to start off fresh and new.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed, my friend! This year looks to be shaping up to be quite an awesome time for you! Happy Holidays and happier life! Much love, Pat
Best wishes to you, too, Pat, for a wonderful happy life! Thanks for receiving my blessings with the intention that I hoped you would.
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