As the vibrant celebrations of the Chagim fade into memory, the intensity of the election season took center stage, pulling us into a whirlwind of political drama and dire predictions. With each side basically predicting the end of the world if their candidate lost, we felt as if our basic survival was at stake, creating chronic stress and anxiety.
The air was and is still thick with the discourse of opposing sides garnering attention, and the emotional fervor can be overwhelming. During the festive periods of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, we were gifted a reprieve from this chaos—a chance to focus not on the worldly but the spiritual.
The lessons of Sukkot, in particular, beckoned us to rise from the comfort and safety of our homes and step into the Sukkah. It reminded us of a reality often overshadowed by the noise of materialism and politics. Encouraging us to lift our eyes to the stars, the Sukkah reminded us that there is more to life than the confines of our roofs.
But this truth is often forgotten amid the relentless cycle of news and reactions, and once again, we are sucked back into the vortex of anxiety and political strife. Last year, we emerged from the joy of Simchat Torah to the horrors of October 7th, and shock and disbelief instantly overwhelmed the afterglow of the holidays. This year, the anxiety of the election competed for my serenity, and so I wonder, is Cheshvan - with its lack of distractions and holidays - irrelevant or profoundly significant?
The Essence of Cheshvan
Often referred to as “Mar-Cheshvan,” or the “bitter month,” Cheshvan might initially feel disheartening due to its lack of holidays. However, this so-called bitterness is actually an opportunity for deep introspection and spiritual growth. After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, Cheshvan encourages us to transition from action and celebration to stillness and contemplation.
This month invites us to dig deep and acknowledge that there is a time for both “doing” and “being.” In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, we can easily forget the importance of slowing down to reflect. With no holidays to offer distractions, Cheshvan reveals its purpose: in its very stillness, we uncover the answers we seek.
But the answer can be a little uncomfortable - we must take responsibility for our own inspiration. There are not a million articles and inspiring lectures to get us in the right mood this month; we must cultivate motivation. The ball is back in our court, and God is waiting to see what we’ll do with it. Perhaps the tumult around us is the challenge: whether we take the bait or rise to the occasion.
The Spiritual Energy of Stillness
This is the time for us to take the spiritual goals we set during the High Holidays and weave them into our daily lives. The lessons of self-improvement, reflection, and community building aren’t just experiences to be filed away or forgotten in the din of the day; they are meant to be integrated into who we are. Cheshvan encourages us to let these insights take root, allowing them to grow in a meaningful way.
And let’s not forget the virtue of patience, another rare commodity. In a world of instant information and fast-paced living, the spiritual growth we experience this month might not be loud or easily visible, but it can be incredibly transformative. It’s during this quieter time that we have the chance to cultivate mindfulness, letting our lessons mature and take shape.
In a world that often values constant motion, this month challenges us to cherish the stillness and the transformation it can bring. In stillness, we learn to appreciate the small, beautiful moments that might otherwise go unnoticed amid the chaos.
As we embrace Cheshvan's unique spiritual energy, let us commit to integrating the valuable lessons learned during the High Holidays into our lives. With this approach, we can view Cheshvan not as a barren stretch of time but as fertile ground for inner growth and understanding.
I wrote this article to calm my pre-election jitters, and now we know the identity of the 47th President. Some people are elated, while others are thrown into another cycle of anger and chaos fueled by disappointment. Instead of allowing external disturbances to dictate our emotional landscape, we must regain our center and focus on what is truly significant.
Because even if November 6th is a day of celebration for you, give it a minute – something will happen, or someone will say something, and you will feel the pull of emotional turbulence again.
Cheshvan teaches us that while the world spins around us in chaos, within each of us lies a sanctuary of calm, waiting to be cultivated. So, as we navigate through potential turmoil and disappointments of all kinds, let us remember to breathe deeply, reflect sincerely, and prioritize our spiritual journey.
In doing so, we transform any bitterness into sweetness, fostering resilience and clarity amidst life’s unpredictable currents. In the words of the leader of the mindfulness movement, Jon Kabat-Zinn, "You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."
Internalize and Actualize:
Envisioning Serenity: Create a vision for what a peaceful mind looks like for you. What practices or changes can help you move closer to that vision in your daily life?
Emotional Landscape: How do external events—like political turmoil or societal change—impact your emotional landscape? What practices can you adopt to ground yourself amidst the chaos?
Gratitude in Stillness: Identify five things you're grateful for during this quieter time of Cheshvan. How can gratitude influence your state of mind and emotional responses?
Integration of Lessons: Reflect on the lessons you've learned during the High Holidays. How can you incorporate those insights into your daily routines?
NOTE: I am putting together an 8-week program on Cultivating Emotional Intelligence, which I will be offering as a one-on-one coaching program and also as an online course. Email me if you are interested in finding out more.
Kommentare