"For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d" (Leviticus 16:30).
The ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were declared "The Ten Days of Repentance." These are days of soul-searching and of individuals asking forgiveness of one another. Yom Kippur , The Day Of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year--the day on which we are closest to G‑d and to who really are. We get to reflect on what is truly important to us.
Choosing an Uncluttered, Focused Life
Adapted from "Simply Beautiful." Prepared by Sam Quick, human development and family relations specialist, and Robert Flashman, family resource management specialist (1997), Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.
Letting go of nonessentials so that you can joyfully embrace what's most important to you - that's what it means to live simply. Choosing simplicity involves clearing away clutter that detracts from the true purpose and beauty of your life. It means taking a fresh look at what you really value and making sure you're spending your time, energy, and money to support your cherished goals.
Voluntary simplicity doesn't mean a bare-bones budget or shunning the wonders of modern technology. It may mean buying that new notebook computer so that you can spend time writing under the pine trees at your uncle's cabin. It may mean splurging for the month-long overseas trip you've been dreaming about for decades.
Since we all have different values, gifts, and dreams, our ways of simplifying life will naturally represent a delightful range of choices. There is no one right way; we each must follow our passions, listen to our hearts, and create our own simple lifestyles. The intent is not to be more frugal than your neighbor.
Many of us, , are moving faster, doing more. With little time for reflection, we squeeze one activity after another into our frenzied lives. But are we really getting anywhere, or worse yet, will we end up in the wrong place?
Ah Balance, Grasshopper
According to national survey results, we are seeking balance. When asked to describe what would make their lives more satisfying, the answers usually do not focus on material goods. Instead of newer gadgets, more expensive cars, and bigger homes, most Americans say they want simpler lifestyles more in line with their core values.
In a 1995 study commissioned by the Merck Family Fund, 66 percent of Americans said they would be much more satisfied if they were able to spend more time with family and friends, while 56 percent called for a less hectic, more relaxed approach to life. Over 80 percent agreed that most of us buy and consume far more than we need.. Proving my "less is more" theory yet again The most common changes were working fewer hours, opting for a lower paying job, and withdrawing from the workforce to stay at home. According to the Trends Research Institute of Rhinebeck, NY, simplification is a leading trend of our times. We actually want more balance and simplicity.
It's easy, as individuals, to believe we can't make a difference. We may feel we lack the knowledge, ability, or power to influence a problem. But nothing is further from the truth. The key to dealing with environmental challenges is recognizing that our actions can contribute directly to a solution.
In the course of everyday living, we can and do make a difference. Every time we conserve, recycle, reuse, share, or forego a marginally important purchase, we make a difference through our actions and by our example. Paul Hawken states, "Leave the world better than you found it, take no more than you need, try not to harm life or the environment, and make amends if you do."
Gratitude is the Attitude
Every day, all the time, life surrounds us with countless wonders. Make it a point to tune in more frequently, to pause for a few seconds and enjoy what is. As they say ; the past is a memory, the future a dream. But right now - this moment - is a gift. That's why it's called the present.
Heartfelt thankfulness - a simple practice that awakens us to the goodness of life and reminds us that we are awash in a sea of blessings. The more we count the many gifts of life, the deeper our appreciation and contentment grow. Gratitude helps us attract what we truly need and to paraphrase from my favorite movie, The Sound of Music, "Somewhere where the L-rd closes a door, He opens a Window"
For all of us who are not perfect, Yom Kippur is our day. Rather than be depressed by our failings, we celebrate them. Every sin, every slip up, every failed attempt at living up to our calling is another opportunity to grow and improve. Failing at our mission is itself a part of the journey. I've found you can learn more from what doesnt/didnt work than what does
Yom Kippur is the day G-d thanks us for being human, and we thank G-d that we aren't perfect. If we were, we'd have nothing to do.
