fbpx
[additional-authors]
May 17, 2010

Interesting times, these. I’m finding that we are, most of us, in some state of transition. And we are having to get very comfortable with not knowing. It’s not easy having to deal with so much uncertainty. But we must adapt. 

For centuries, we have been programmed to take control of our lives by planning, working hard, and doing everything we can to safeguard ourselves from future challenges. Of course, life never works out the way we plan it. And while dedication and focus are key components to success, truly skillful living has always required a goodly amount of capacity for SURRENDER. And by that I mean, the ability to LET GO of control and allow the best outcome to emerge. In today’s world this is not something we can avoid practicing. In fact, for our lives to work these days, we need to quickly master this. And that means learning how to be PRESENT, accepting what IS, and trusting that we are safe and secure and that life will work out, even when we don’t know how. 

While on the one hand we need to LET GO, on the other, we need to HOLD ON. We need to hold on to what is highest and truest within us: to a deep belief in ourselves and our capacity to transcend any challenge, to our talents and gifts and our inherent value, to the practice of kindness, understanding and love, to the discovery and fulfillment of our higher purpose, and to the awareness of the spark of light in ourselves and in everyone we meet.

That’s a lot to hold on to …

The world around us continues to morph, but perhaps we can let go of trying to control it, and instead focus on the things we can control – becoming and being the kind of person that we truly want to be.

Email me with your questions misha@mishahenckel.com and I’ll be happy to respond. Answers will be anonymously posted to the blog.

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

The Shofar Blower

Through poetic reflections, Torah wisdom and personal stories, Salem explores the shofar as a tool for mindfulness, healing, surrender and inner transformation.

Still Committed to Plan A

What I learned most from the people who told us their stories is that the Australian Jewish community is in a state of shock but is resilient, going about its day-to-day life in the way Jews have practiced for generations in the face of hatred.

The Definitive Look at Israel’s Wartime Decision-Makers

As Israel stands on the cusp of an election and the U.S. enacts economic sanctions against Iran after military strikes failed to achieve a definitive victory, a newly released book serves as a must-read to understand the current moment.

The Case for Optimism

If we change our focus, we can see the world differently, and do what Jews do well – make the world better.

Elevate Your Tzedakah on the High Holy Days

While we may never fully know the spiritual outcome of our High Holiday prayers or the impact of our repentance, the tangible power of tzedakah is undeniable. Every dollar contributed leaves an imprint.

How Do People Change?

When does the Jewish calendar ask us to study human transformation? Rosh Hashanah — what we might call “the beginning of transformation.”

The Universalism that Makes Room for Difference

Judaism insists that there is something precious about belonging to a particular people, observing a particular tradition, and living within a particular covenant. But precisely because it does not require every human being to join that covenant, it can make room for difference.

Inward, Upward, Outward

Every new year confronts us with a seminal question: What in our lives is worth repeating, and what needs to change?

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.