We have entered into a new season and for many cultures we are also entering into a New Year. I have been meditating on what it will take to allow me to move into the future with expanded creativity, focus and awareness.
One of my favorite rituals at this time of year is the ritual of Tashlich…it is a symbolic releasing of our sins (meaning to go astray) into the water. What I love about it is the connection between our taking action to release, and the helping hand that comes from Spirit. As we move into action…spirit comes to help us. This year it is held on Monday Sept 30th.
Traditionally we throw small pieces of bread into moving water. This way the bread feeds the birds and fishes. Each piece represents the things that blind us to our own truth. We release anything that we have done by our words, deeds or actions that have harmed others or ourselves. We release our sense of inadequacy, our limiting viewpoints, and anything that has hardened our hearts. In fact, the biggest sin is the one of forgetting our own Divinity and connection to God. My Rabbi David Ingber calls it a ritual of scrubbing the soul clean.
Even if this is not in your tradition, I recommend you try this ritual.
Reflect on the past year and focus on the things that you are ready to cast off.
Take small pieces of bread and throw them into moving water. If you are not near water, take a bowl and throw them in the bowl.
Throw away the pain from the past.
Throw away the judgments that keep you from seeing the bigger picture.
Throw away the resentments and anger that keep your heart closed.
Throw away the “shoulds” and “coulds”.
Throw away the need to compare yourself to others.
Throw away anything that keeps you small and stuck.
Throw away any fear, anger or resentment you are holding about our upcoming election in the US.
“May your actions transform this world from a world of harshness to a world of compassion, from a world of ignorance to a world of enlightenment, from a world of death to a world of life renewed, and from a world where sin destroys us to a world where we destroy sin.” – Prayer Un’taneh Tokef
The following are essential in my journey:
Solitude: Really unplugging from the part of myself that can get distracted by the outside world…both good and bad
Time: To allow my creative artist/writer to emerge without pressure
Deep Spiritual Practice: This is what plugs me into the Divine Mind and lifts me up to expanded realities.
Compassion and Forgiveness: Softening my heart towards myself and others.
Letting Go: Releasing what no longer serves me and the “old stories” I cling to.
Belief in a Positive Future: Hope that will pull me forward no matter what the outer reality is.
Small Structured Action Steps: Building new neural pathways in my brain to allow my new foundation to be solid.
Joy and Fun: Freeing my spontaneous joyful child to think out of the box and enjoy life.
Knowing When to Ask for Help: We are co-creating this life together and each one of us has gifts and talents to share with others.
And on that note…we are looking for a wonderful new space to host VISION 2020 from January 17-19th. It would need to comfortably accommodate 40+ people and be close to public transportation. If you have any suggestions please send them to shakima@barbarabiziou.com.
Work with Barbara
The energy in the world is moving faster and faster and each one of us needs tools to stay calm and focused. Work with Barbara to discover practical rituals and techniques to ground you and give you the clarity and focus you need to move forward at this time. Contact barbara@barbarabiziou.com for details!
Many Blessings,
Barbara