Fasting and contemplation are a major part of my ritual on Yom Kippur (the Holiest Day of the Year in Judaism). No matter where I am in the world, I stop and spend a day fasting and in prayer. I have learned that there is a power in stopping and unplugging from my ordinary life. When I can quiet my mind, Spirit has the opportunity to share ideas with me….It is time when I can get a new perspective on my current situation and on the world.
This has always been a time of reflection; looking at the things I did that worked and those that did not. And I know that Spirit is always showing me my “shadow” aspects reflected in the people and situations I have around me. As much as possible, I use this time to take back my projections that I have put on others.
During this practice there are two times when traditionally we ask God to forgive us and release us from any vows we have made to ourselves and God, and then again we ask forgiveness for anything we have done that has harmed another.
I look at this as a time to examine my actions without having to carry the heaviness around into the next year. It is a way of wiping the slate clean and then re-committing to becoming the person I choose to grow into. I choose to connect to the higher frequency of love and wisdom to make a positive difference in the world.
As I think of the children of the future looking back at us, it is a reminder that we are the ancestors of the future and therefore the choices we make today ripple through time, impacting the world for generations. It underscores the importance of living with integrity, compassion, and wisdom.
Yom Kippur not only honors the traditions of Judaism but also It's a testament to the transformative power of ritual and reflection. No matter what your religion or spiritual practice is, may this sacred day continue to bring you clarity, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Take some clay or play dough.
Create a symbol or figure that represents you.
Sit quietly and focus on things you want to create or change.
Bless it with health, wealth, the potential for spiritual growth , wisdom, creativity, love and/or anything else you desire..
Visualize yourself with these new qualities.
Keep it on your altar as a reminder of the New You.
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Until next time,
Barbara