Nitzavim
What are the gates of connection inward?
Reflection by Or HaLev Teacher Dafna Arnoni
“On the day of his death, Moses gathers the Israelites and enters them into covenant with the Creator of the World. `This commandment which I am commanding you this day,` says Moses, `is not far away (Deut 30:11). It is neither in heaven nor beyond the sea, he says. Rather, it is `very close to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart to observe it` (30:14).
In our meditation practice, we discover how even a small action can make a big difference. The simple step of directing attention to this moment - to the breath that breathes me, to the ground that holds me - changes us. It is not as far away as we sometimes think.
The mouth and the heart are gates of connection inward and to the Creator.
When we practice silent meditation, something is renewed in our relationship to word and speech. We gently learn to adjust our internal and external speech to be more supportive, encouraging, and compassionate.
When we give an honest place in our hearts to draw closer to ourselves, something expands and opens with compassion, accompanying us in every experience that comes, giving us strength."