Dear all,
I was driving from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion back to Temple Akiba the other day. I needed to get the fastest route, so I plugged the origin and destination into my GPS, which in turn offered three options. As I took the fastest one (believe it or not, the I-10 freeway) I got to thinking….
Each day, my soul needs a GPS as well. But it’s not about arriving at the destination quickly. It’s about creating purpose along the way. So I created a checklist. Here are the milestones I need to deepen my journey:
1) Did I hear laughter?
2) Did I see a smile?
3) Did I taste something really good?
4) Did I notice an act of tzedakah/ righteousness?
5) Did I participate in an act of tzedakah?
6) Did I contact someone who would like to hear from me?
7) Did I hold the door open for someone?
8) Did I make time to pray/ meditate/ offer gratitude?
9) Did I listen to music?
10) Did I make the world better?
The GPS of the soul requires us to step back with mindfulness, step up with purpose, and step in to capture each moment in time. What will be on YOUR spiritual GPS today?
With love and shalom,
Rabbi Zach Shapiro