For this past Shabbat I created a movement-based lesson plan for the synagogue youth group I ran. As I was leading the group I realized an older audience would be a better fit for my lesson plan so I stuck to the regular scheduled programming instead—albeit with more movement and interaction on part of the kiddos. They had fun!
When planning the lesson’s activities, I wanted to incorporate the mindfulness exercises which I have read about in mindfulness books for kids as well as those for adults. I sought to embody the lessons, that we could experience them in our very own beings.
The reason I became a yoga and pilates instructor was to internally shift people: to strength them, to inspire them, to empower them.
In making these Torah-related activities, I seek to do the same. This is an illustration of what I am talking about when I refer to the pre-exile Jew, which is in essence the post-exile Jew, and let it be soon in our time.
To be sure, the Jews being post exile is a happy time for the Jewish people AS WELL as for the whole world—it is described as a time of world peace and unity. I am not seeking selfish gains for my own people, rather a peace that will emanate out to the entire world. And I believe that all religions that preach peace and connectedness are united in bringing our world closer to redemption.
Mindful Nuggets 