Capture the Light

When we start the year right it sets the tone for the rest of the year. A new year has just begun in the Jewish calendar , where we move forward from a carefree summer onto deep introspection period. Amidst all the distractions, starting on Rosh Hashana the first day of the new year, we immerse ourselves in internal spiritual work, aiming to connect our souls to our creator and to our higher self. More than any other time throughout the year we aim to create the reality we desire for the rest of the year. We are aware that there is an unusual power this time of year. We could harness its great potential and immense energy and light to achieve the best results.
We resolve to break old behavior patterns and clarify what changes are needed to improve ourselves and benefit the world at large. (Tikkun olam). We isolate the issues we must repair and address them one at the time.
We take control of our actions by taking on behavior patterns that are respectable for ourselves and for others. When you know better you do better.
Our behavior influences our mental well-being and our relationships with our family members, colleagues, and friends. We assess where we acted selfishly and didn’t respect others. To mend any situation that we regret, we acknowledge that we strayed, admit our wrongdoing, and ask for forgiveness. Naturally we aim to avoid such reoccurrences. Furthermore, we forgive others for hurting us; perhaps having a polite, peaceful talk with them so we can clear the air from any hard feelings, thus freeing us to move on. Only then we start to plant seeds of good intentions and hopes for the year ahead. It feels good to create such a positive environment around us.
In addition to that personal work, we write our hopes and vision for the upcoming year. The more detailed our vision board is, the more we’ll be able to navigate it and stay focused achieving our goals. Our sages said when you grasp for everything you end up grasping nothing. Do your best work every day. Show up as your best self and make each day meaningful and the days on the calendar will add up. As Albert Camus said: “Life is the sum of all your choices”.
The choice is in our hands to reawaken, rebuild and renew ourselves in words and actions ; realize how even little change can influence the rest of the year. Today is a terrific opportunity to jumpstart the new year. The seeds of smart choices we plant today will blossom and bear fruits in the coming year. We can be all we are meant to be as that is the reason we were put on this earth.
Wishing us all a meaningful and happy new year!
Naomi Young is a Jewish studies and a Bar/ Bat mitzvah teacher in Santa Clarita for 40 years. She is also a published writer and an artist. Contact her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com Visit her art website at www.naomiyoung.com