When you squeeze an orange, orange juice should come out. I find that I have lost my way when I open my mouth and I do not like the words that come out or the tone of those words. Thank you for the reminders that we (the natural, orange) and our words coming out of our mouth (supernatural, orange juice) should be one and the same. Natural and supernatural or indeed one!
I find it in the eyes of animals: dogs can look into your soul, and so can horses. I forget that they are they and I am I.
To me the difference between a spiritual experience and a spiritual life (I really don't like the word spiritual, but it suppose it is the best we have) is that a spiritual experience is a gift that comes from the outside and is therefore passing; a spiritual life emanates from within and radiates outward.
This afternoon I am returning to Mesillat Yesharim with a study partner for whom the text will be new. I have shared this piece and your last with her. Your words are a beautiful reminder that the work at hand is always that…it is there right before us, waiting for us to bring our best selves forward as we engage with others.
Yes, indeed, the work is always at hand. Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe provided us with such a useful tool in the practice of hitlamdut — teaching ourselves from our experience. Since we are always experiencing the world, even when we are asleep, there are always lessons to be learned.
As an avid cyclist who primarily rides on paths through nature and alongside water (along the jersey shore) I can relate to "spiritual experiences" leading to spirituality in the day to day world. As I go through my day, I find when I pause to recall the peaceful and picturesque scenes from my bike rides through nature, I become more calm and mindful of my surroundings and others.
I thought I had responded to you, but it appears not! I suggest you wait until I say something before setting out to explore contrary views. You may find that I have no views at all, in which case what would contrary look like?
Contrary to what? I don't believe I have said anything on the subject and already you are asking about contrary views? Seems premature to me.
When you squeeze an orange, orange juice should come out. I find that I have lost my way when I open my mouth and I do not like the words that come out or the tone of those words. Thank you for the reminders that we (the natural, orange) and our words coming out of our mouth (supernatural, orange juice) should be one and the same. Natural and supernatural or indeed one!
I find it in the eyes of animals: dogs can look into your soul, and so can horses. I forget that they are they and I am I.
To me the difference between a spiritual experience and a spiritual life (I really don't like the word spiritual, but it suppose it is the best we have) is that a spiritual experience is a gift that comes from the outside and is therefore passing; a spiritual life emanates from within and radiates outward.
This afternoon I am returning to Mesillat Yesharim with a study partner for whom the text will be new. I have shared this piece and your last with her. Your words are a beautiful reminder that the work at hand is always that…it is there right before us, waiting for us to bring our best selves forward as we engage with others.
Yes, indeed, the work is always at hand. Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe provided us with such a useful tool in the practice of hitlamdut — teaching ourselves from our experience. Since we are always experiencing the world, even when we are asleep, there are always lessons to be learned.
As an avid cyclist who primarily rides on paths through nature and alongside water (along the jersey shore) I can relate to "spiritual experiences" leading to spirituality in the day to day world. As I go through my day, I find when I pause to recall the peaceful and picturesque scenes from my bike rides through nature, I become more calm and mindful of my surroundings and others.
Regarding "real-world events", are you ready to entertain contrary views?
I thought I had responded to you, but it appears not! I suggest you wait until I say something before setting out to explore contrary views. You may find that I have no views at all, in which case what would contrary look like?
Your chosen topic headings hinted at opinions.
Some music can have that effect, at least on me. Often, older is better. Does it have a place in mussar circles?
Examples: (The first two are sung by R' Avraham Greenbaum and are downloadable)
https://www.azamra.org/Audio/Songs/Adon%20Olam.mp3
https://www.azamra.org/Audio/Songs/Meeyn%20Olam%20Habo.mp3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbgrfuWyaHQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRWSz8Yll1U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvDwCSMz0pI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqIEzl8xn2Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXDXs_A7wEU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZs2zUIevcQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfpBQB2Sc64