Posts tagged meditation
What We Need is Here (Shabbat Vayishlach)
What We Need is Here (Shabbat Vayishlach)

Stuck in “if only” mind, Jacob never felt like what he had was enough. On the eve of his reunion with the brother he has betrayed we would understand if he felt he needed more, begged God for protection. But instead, Jacob turns and does something very different: Jacob prays to God - not with a plea, but with gratitude. He says: “Katonti mi-kol ha-chasadim u’mi-kol ha-emet asher asita et avdecha” / I am unworthy of all the kindness You have so steadfastly shown Your servant.” (Gen 32:11). He has a realization that he already has everything he needs to face his past, take responsibility for his actions, and live with integrity.

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sermonAdam Lavittgratitude, meditation, Jacob, Thanksgiving
Belonging to Longing (Shabbat Ki Teitzei)
Belonging to Longing (Shabbat Ki Teitzei)

The way I respond to the deepest yearnings in my life — more often than I’d like to admit — is to refresh the New York Times homepage, or eat chocolate. We distract ourselves so we don’t have to acknowledge how far we are from who we want to be. Judaism offers us another way to respond: teshuva – often translated “repentance” and which literally means “turning” or “transforming.”

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Adam LavittElul, teshuvah, transformation, meditation, love, relationships
Beyond Bored: Entering the Soul of Creativity

Recently, I introduced meditation to my high school spirituality class. I joined them, closing my eyes, peeking to see how people were doing. The second time I opened my eyes, I noticed more than one student fiddling with their smartphones.

As we debriefed afterward, I asked what challenges they encountered as I guided the group to sit with awareness of breath and body. One student volunteered that she was so uncomfortable with the silence she just had to fidget with her iPhone. The boredom was unbearable.

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Adam Lavittmeditation, mindfulness, creativity, unplug