8th day of the Omer — Chesed she’b’g’vurah — Lovingkindness within Discipline

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Last year at Shavuot, I remarked how the counting of the Omer (the 7-week period between Passover and Shavuot) is the only daily spiritual practice I have ever had or been able to commit to. I count the Omer every night and do some kind of reading and reflection on the theme of the upcoming day through the kabbalistic/spiritual-mystical lens.

But then I realized that that was not entirely true — I had taken on a different spiritual practice during the month that Chaim and I had spent in Israel in January 2013 — a daily commitment to my writing.

Last year at Shavuot I vaguely thought that I might tie the two together this year by writing everyday during the Omer period, to strengthen both practices.

Sadly, I have already fallen short, as today is already the 8th day of the Omer period. I have thoroughly missed out on writing during the week of Lovingkindness (Chesed) which began on the second night of Passover. As of last night, we have moved into the week of Boundary-Setting and Discipline (Gevurah).

But perhaps, that is appropriate: I was Chesed-dik with myself last week, fulfilling the impetus to be loving-kind to myself, to give myself a little slack during the busy and disruptive week of Passover. Now that Passover is over, the week of Gevurah gives me an opportunity to get Gevruah-dik, to begin the Omer discipline anew with intensified Discipline.

Expect at least one post a week during the next six weeks (NOT daily).

Consider how you may need to set some boundaries this week or discipline yourself in some meaningful way. For me, the intention is clear: writing and reflection. (And, yes, to get back on a healthy eating track after a week of too many macaroons, chocolate-covered matzas, and other Passover treats!)