As Fear Arises

Dear Friends,
 
In this week’s Torah portion Shelach lecha,
We watch as fear takes hold,
Distorts perception,
And strangles possibilities.
 
Having wandered two years in the wilderness,
The people are getting ready to enter the promised land.
Moshe sends chiefs from each tribe to explore the territory.
Ten return with reports filled with fear
Two with reports of promise and possibility.
 
As the frightening reports are shared and encouraged,
Fear spreads throughout the camp.
Its stories are believed,
Its claims taken as fact.
 
Nothing can penetrate its certainty.
No words of hope,
No proof of possibility,
Not even the appearance of the Infinite Presence
Can contradict the reality fear insists upon.
 
As a result
The promise of a new land, a new way of being
Vanish.
The people will continue to wander for 40 years.
 
Have the strength to forgive the fear,
Moshe demands of the Infinite One.
Of course we are afraid,
There is reason for our fear.
And we need help so fear doesn’t become all there is.
We need help to break fear’s strong hold.
We need help to see beyond its certainty.
 
Do mitzvot, the Infinite responds,
Engage in actions that create connection, that cultivate relationship.
            Give thanks.
            Notice beauty.
            Listen well.
            Respond with compassion.
            Offer help.
            Seek guidance.
            Engage with ritual.
            Do acts of justice.
            Speak words of blessing.
 
These actions will help release stories woven by the mind,
They will help shift perspective,
And loosen the bonds of fear.
 
For the sake of each other and all the earth,
Let us deny fear the power
To shape our perceptions and determine our behavior.
 
Each day, let us engage in acts of connection.
May love and strength guide our way.
 
Love to all.
Shalom,
—Rabbi Yael Levy
Jewish Mindfulness Guided Meditation Sit
This weeks Torah portion, Shelach Lecha, calls us to notice what influences our perceptions and to practice seeing what is good and possible, even when we are afraid. As we sit together we are aware of the kaleidoscope of thoughts and stories arising in our minds, coloring our perceptions. Again and again we return our attention to the present moment.
Listen to the recording of today's Sit.