Be Still and Get Going

1. Suffering as a Catalyst for Spiritual Awakening

The strength of a person’s desire is brought about by the impediments that happen to him, so when a person needs to do something, then a hindrance arises in his path.

Suffering's transformative power. Suffering, often viewed as an inherent defect, can serve as a divine instrument, awakening us to the spiritual path and strengthening our resolve. Rebbe Nachman suggests that obstacles increase our desire and commitment to holy tasks, highlighting the potential for growth amidst adversity.

Turning suffering into insight. What we perceive as suffering is frequently the gap between reality and our desires. By confronting these painful truths, we gain a clearer vision of our lives. For instance, a woman's anxiety about her stepdaughters' birth mother illuminated her pre-existing insecurities, transforming a source of suffering into a pathway for self-awareness.

Spiritual practice as preparation. Spiritual practices like meditation prepare us for life's inevitable moments of leave-taking, enabling us to constructively utilize crises as opportunities for growth and encounters with the transcendent. The traumas and crises of life don’t automatically bring us to the point of a spiritual breakthrough. They are just as likely to crush and embitter us.

2. The Illusion of Control and the Acceptance of Suffering

If we search our souls and we find that we have done nothing to cause our suffering, and if our religious commitment is beyond reproach, then we can be confident that the suffering must be yisurin shel ahavah—“an affliction born of love,” a suffering God has visited upon us out of his boundless love for us.

Examining the meaning of suffering. The Talmudic sage Raba suggests a three-part approach to understanding suffering: examining our behavior, assessing our spiritual practice, and considering it as an affliction born of love. While these propositions offer potential explanations, they are not universally applicable.

The limits of understanding. Rabbi Yochanan's experience of losing ten children highlights the existence of irredeemable suffering, challenging the notion that all pain has a purpose. This acknowledgment underscores the limitations of human understanding and the need to accept the uncontrollable aspects of life.

The power of presence. In the face of inexplicable suffering, the most profound response is often empathy and presence. The story of Rabbi Yochanan and Rabbi Eleazar illustrates that compassionate presence can offer healing and solace when theological explanations fall short.

3. Conflict as a Reflection of Inner Turmoil

The angel of God tells Jacob that the very thing he can’t stand about himself—the very thing no one can stand about him—is in fact his divine name.

Conflict's origins. The Torah presents a triptych of stories—Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and the Tower of Babel—to illustrate how conflict originates within individuals and expands outward. These narratives demonstrate the progression from inner struggle to interpersonal strife and, ultimately, to collective rebellion against the divine will.

The cycle of projection. Cain's murder of Abel exemplifies how inner conflict can be projected onto others, leading to violence and destruction. This pattern highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing our own darkness to prevent its manifestation in external conflicts.

The illusion of control. The Tower of Babel story reveals humanity's desire to control its destiny, leading to a rebellion against God's will. This pursuit of control often results in unintended consequences and underscores the need for humility and acceptance of the natural order.

4. The Five-Step Program for Overcoming Fear

But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Collect yourselves and see the salvation which Adonai will make for you today. . . . Adonai will fight for you and you will be still.” Then Adonai said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to just get going.”

Facing fear with action. The exodus from Egypt provides a five-step program for overcoming fear and taking decisive action:

• Don't be afraid (al tira-u): Acknowledge fear without letting it paralyze you.
• Collect yourselves (hityatzvu): Gather your awareness and stand firm.
• See (uru): Gain clarity and perspective on the situation.
• Be still (tacharishun): Cultivate inner stillness and trust.
• Get going (v’yisa-u): Take action in alignment with the moment.

The power of Wu Wei. God's command to "get going" emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with the present moment, a concept akin to the Taoist principle of Wu Wei. This involves acting without ego, allowing the necessary action to arise from a state of stillness and clarity.

From fear to freedom. By following these steps, we can transform fear into a catalyst for action, enabling us to overcome obstacles and move forward with purpose and conviction. The traumas and crises of life don’t automatically bring us to the point of a spiritual breakthrough. They are just as likely to crush and embitter us.

5. Embracing Emptiness as a Path to Wholeness

I am weeping for cal hai shufra d’balei b’afra—I am weeping for all this perfection, all this beauty which is fading into the earth.

The inevitability of impermanence. Rabbi Eleazar's lament for the fading beauty of the world highlights the transient nature of all things. Recognizing this impermanence allows us to appreciate the present moment and find meaning in the face of loss.

The illusion of control. The Talmudic discussion on suffering reveals the limitations of human understanding and the futility of trying to control the uncontrollable. Accepting this reality allows us to relinquish the need for explanations and find peace in the midst of uncertainty.

The power of presence. In the face of suffering, the most profound response is often empathy and presence. The story of Rabbi Yochanan and Rabbi Eleazar illustrates that compassionate presence can offer healing and solace when theological explanations fall short.

6. Unmasking God in the Everyday World

Ehiyeh asher ehiyeh”—“I will be as I will be,” God replies. But the verb ehiyeh is a very strange verb in Hebrew, a rendering of the verb “to be” in a flowing tense partaking of past, present, and future, so that God’s reply might just as easily be rendered “I was as I was” or “I am as I am.”

God's presence in the present. God's name, "Ehiyeh asher ehiyeh," signifies absolute and unconditioned being in the present moment. This implies that God is the only thing that can be truly present, and approaching the present moment brings us closer to the divine.

Meditation as a path to presence. Meditation helps us let go of extraneous thoughts and feelings, allowing us to experience the present moment more fully. By entering the present moment, we approach God and participate in the timeless flow of life.

The transformative power of presence. By embracing the present moment, we can transform our consciousness and experience a sense of connection to the divine. This transformation enables us to see the world as sacred and find meaning in every aspect of our lives.

7. The Interconnectedness of Time and Spiritual Consciousness

The strength of a person’s desire is brought about by the impediments that happen to him, so when a person needs to do something, then a hindrance arises in his path.

Kedem's dual nature. The Hebrew word kedem, meaning both "east" and "ancient past," connects the stories of conflict in the Torah and suggests a cyclical progression. This highlights the interconnectedness of time and the recurring nature of human struggles.

The flow of spiritual consciousness. Rashi's interpretations of the patriarchs' actions reveal a stream of spiritual consciousness that transcends time. By entering this stream, we connect with the wisdom and practices of past generations.

The power of the present moment. The concept of Wu Wei emphasizes the importance of acting in alignment with the present moment, allowing the necessary action to arise from a state of stillness and clarity. This approach enables us to move forward with purpose and conviction.

8. The Power of Presence and Compassion

He said give me your hand. He gave him his hand and he healed him.

The healing power of presence. The Talmudic stories of Rabbi Yochanan and Rabbi Hiyya emphasize the importance of human presence in healing. This presence transcends words and actions, offering a sense of connection and support that can alleviate suffering.

Breaking the prison of self. Illness can isolate us, creating a sense of being trapped in our own bodies and minds. The presence of another attuned human being can break this isolation, reminding us that our consciousness is not limited to our individual selves.

Connecting to a larger consciousness. Offering prayers in Hebrew, even to those who are not religious, can connect them to a spiritual consciousness larger than their own. This connection can provide comfort and a sense of belonging during times of crisis.

9. The Journey Through the Four Worlds

I am weeping for cal hai shufra d’balei b’afra—I am weeping for all this perfection, all this beauty which is fading into the earth.

The Kabbalistic framework. The Kabala's Four Worlds—atzilut, briyah, yetzirah, and asiyah—provide a framework for understanding the relationship between the material world and the divine. This framework can guide our spiritual practice, helping us move from the physical to the transcendent.

The path of ascent. Spiritual practice involves a journey from the world of action (asiyah) to the world of pure emanation (atzilut). This journey requires us to move beyond the body, the heart, and the mind to reach the source of all being.

The interconnectedness of all realms. Each of the Four Worlds is an expression of all the others, highlighting the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence. By recognizing this interconnectedness, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

10. The Dance of Form and Emptiness

The most powerful exercise I know for approaching the present moment is, of course, meditation.

The nature of reality. The world is a constant flow of change, with no fixed points or permanent states. Recognizing this impermanence allows us to embrace the present moment and find peace in the midst of uncertainty.

The limitations of form. Our attempts to define and control the world through language and concepts are ultimately limited. By letting go of these constructs, we can experience the underlying emptiness that connects all things.

The power of meditation. Meditation helps us to see beyond the limitations of form and connect with the underlying emptiness of existence. This connection enables us to find peace, compassion, and a sense of belonging in the face of life's challenges.

Last updated: March 20, 2025