It’s no secret: The year’s shortest day is on its way. On dark, overcast days, I sometimes dream of hopping the next flight to Mexico, Hawaii or Tel Aviv. Maybe you do, too.
As tempting as a trip to a warm, sunny climate may be, cultivating inner sunshine is a much more affordable, sustainable way to enjoy light during dark times.
Maintaining a daily spiritual practice is one of the best ways I’ve found to nurture an internal storehouse of deep joy. When times get tough and the weather gets rough, I’m ready, most of the time, b’ezrat Hashem (with the help of The Name).
Judaism, like many traditions, provides daily spiritual activities from the moment we awaken in the morning that help maintain focus through even the most stressful experiences.
The first Hebrew blessing I recite by heart upon awakening each morning thanks the Almighty for returning my soul with compassion. What a way to start a day, especially when darkness prevails.
The first holy action of the day is to splash refreshing, clean water three times on each hand, followed by the appropriate blessing.
Besides the traditional prayers, I also enjoy mindfulness meditation: a quiet time to experience the light of Hashem (The Name) enlivening every inch of my being. I also use physical exercises to stretch my body each day. These exercises include increasing my awareness of the body’s spiritual centres, known in our tradition as sephirot.
While a personal practice helps cultivate inner light, I also appreciate celebrating Shabbat (Sabbath) and holidays with my faith community and family. Our most recent holiday, Hanukkah, in which we light menorot (lamps) with one more candle each night for eight nights, is one of our best for spreading light.
Heartfelt melodies, meaningful stories and delicious food all help counteract the blues. The inspiration of ancient teachings reinterpreted in a modern context helps shed light on life’s greatest trials.
Text study is central to Jewish practice. This year I am studying the Parshah Shavuah (the Torah Portion of the week) with Rabbi Meir Kaplan who leads Chabad of Vancouver Island. Lately, we’ve been focusing on the story of Joseph, who transcended whatever darkness surrounded him, infusing his life and the lives of all he touched with light.
For many years, I’ve also studied and practised Mussar, an ancient Jewish spiritual practice experiencing a revival. Mussar techniques include the recitation of holy phrases, journal keeping, kabbalos (daily practices) and the study of ancient texts with a partner (chevruta).
Walking, which takes no extra study, is another practical, accessible way to cultivate inner peace. On occasion, I have enjoyed slow walks through circular, meditative labyrinths like the one beside Christ Church Cathedral.
The first time I walked the church’s labyrinth last month, fallen leaves partially concealed the spiral pathway, much like the sun during this season of less light. The next time, a strong wind had blown the leaves away, making it easier to see the way. These slow meditative walks provide peaceful respite when needed.
Whatever you do to help bring light to the darkness, if ever there was a time to practise, this is it.
Shoshana Litman is Canada’s first ordained Maggidah (a female Jewish storyteller), an administrator for the Mussar Institute of Vancouver, and a tour guide for Congregation Emanu-El in Victoria.
