Today is my birthday! Celebrate with me as I continue my journey on our wondrous planet.
I was born on the 20th day of Av, or the month of Leo as it is called astrologically. This month is ruled by the sun, which can be overwhelming depending on how you view it. During this month treats that seem to dominate are: courage, selfishness, creativity, independence and passionate. Each of these traits can be used for both good and bad. Let’s focus on turning them all into positivity.
The Torah portion read this week says a lot about what we all need to do, especially these seven days. It is the portion Ekev, which literally translated means, “heel,” or, “to heel (to something).” We can use this one word to inspire us in many different ways. Pairing it with the traits of a Leo will no doubt give us the power to do anything our hearts set out to do. Movement should be our ultimate goal.
Be courageous in what we believe.
The heel relates to the physical parts of our world. It is the lowest part of our body, and therefore touches the ground. Direct contact gives us the ability to move forward. Of course, we also have the choice to simply stand in one spot. While that could mean we are reluctant to move forward, it is possible that some us of just need to stand. Meaning – stand up for ourselves or others, or stand our ground in decisions and values.
Creatively seeking new opportunities
To heel to something can mean to follow close behind. Follow your goals and as you reach them create new ones, bigger ones. Quite possibly some of us just need to get off our bottoms and put our feet to use. No more sitting around and wishing for things to happen, but making them happen. Nobody can achieve your greatness for you. We can encourage and support each other, but we cannot walk each others path. It is up to us, as individuals, to take the first step towards our goal, to feed our passions and to create our future self. Take the list of who you want to be and start there. Small steps can lead to gigantic ones. You can climb that mountain!
“…my hero’s always 10 years away. I’m never gonna be my hero. I’m not gonna attain that. I know I’m not, and that’s just fine with me because that keeps me with somebody to keep on chasing.”
-Matthew McConaughey
Ever wonder why your dog is so happy after going outside or taking a walk? It is exhilarating to be in the vast surroundings of nature and all that was created for us. Look at it as a tool to becoming one with Earth and in essence one with yourself. Our body is upright constantly rebeling against gravity. Grounding is a way to settle into our current environment, to center ourselves as we seek balance. In truth you can ground yourself by walking barefoot anywhere, but lying on the earth will multiply that feeling of oneness. Selfish acts do not always have to be negative. We need to care for ourselves in order to care for others. The health benefits are almost endless. They range from relief from stress and anxiety, eliminating inflammation, building immunity to finding peace and balance.
This to me, all represents the importance of striving to be better human beings. This is the time to put our two feet in motion and dig in. The time has come to stop dragging our feet and follow our true path. Take this week to step out of your comfort zone and into your purpose. Take the time to ground yourself and listen to your inner voice. It is the one that reminds you of your true passions.
Connecting nature to you:
- What ways can you find courage to step out of your comfort zone?
- How can you do something, even small, for yourself that will create space for you to give to others?
- In what area of your life are you still dragging your feet instead of moving forward?
Share your experiences in the comments. Inspire us all!