As Fear Arises

In this week’s Torah portion Shelach lecha,

We witness the power of fear.

When fear arises and takes hold

Vision narrows and the heart constricts.

Stories woven by doubt and insisting on doom

Are perceived as the only truths.

Often, as a result we lash out,

We close down,

We turn away.

We stop trusting

And we stop believing in possibilities.

It can be difficult to break this cycle

Because fear is contagious and strengthens itself.

And because of course we are afraid,

There is reason for fear.

And we need help so fear doesn’t become all there is.

We need help to break fear’s strong hold.

And see beyond its certainty.

How can we meet the fear with awareness

And develop the capacity to respond to it

With gentle, loving compassion?

The tradition says, engage in actions that encourage relationship:

            Give thanks.

            Notice beauty.

            Listen well.

            Offer help.

            Seek guidance.

            Engage with ritual.

            Speak words of blessing.

            Act with loving-kindness.

These actions shift our perspective,

Create connection

And loosen the bonds of fear.

These actions help us see that fear isn’t all there is.

For the sake of each other and all earth,

Let us practice denying fear the power

To shape our perceptions and determine our behavior.

Each day, let us engage in acts of connection.

May love and healing grow from our presence and care.

Rabbi Yael Levy


This Week's Audio Teachings

Morning Meditation Sit
For our meditation, we sit together practicing holding whatever arises in an expansive, loving perspective. Listen to the recording of today's Morning Meditation Sit on the A Way In website or on Soundcloud.

Torah Study
Shelach Lecha : Exploration and perception in the wilderness. Listen to the recording of this week's Torah Study with Rabbi Yael on the A Way In website or on Soundcloud.