“Min Ha-meitzar karati Y-ah, Anani va’merchav Y-ah.” Psalm 118:5
Translation: From a narrow place I called out to G-d; He answered me with spaciousness.
This line is part of Hallel, which is recited on various holidays, including at a Passover seder. The word “meitzar” (narrow place) shares the same root as Mitzraim, Egypt.
It reminds me of what the Sages say that G-d says, “Open for Me an opening the size of the eye of a needle, and I will open for you an opening the size of a hall.”
I once read that when the Jews physically exited Egypt, they still held on to a lot of the mindsets they had while they had been steeped in slavery. It didn’t simply wash away, those mindsets were deeply ingrained in them.
Ever since I discovered the concept of self-talk 15+ years ago, I have been intrigued.
I never knew I had a narrative in my head, let alone a negative one!
Once I shone the light of awareness on it, only then could I begin to try to change it.
There are a lot of modalities that help people reframe their thinking, and consequently their self-concept, etc. These include but are not limited to: Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and 12-step programs.
Change is slow, gradual, and not linear. It takes a while to form new mental habits!
One can liken it to water swooshing over a rock. Over time, the rock erodes, smoothens, modifies its shape. It takes a lot of time. It is a gentle process.
It is a gentle process that calls the participant to hold oneself gently during it. (Think Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg or Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff.)
I like to picture a “meitzar,” “ a narrow place,” as a rabbit hole. When one’s mind has gone down a rabbit hole, they see things only from that limited perspective.
Once they have climbed out (or someone has pulled them out, as the case may be), they can look around and see things from different perspectives—a broader, more spacious view.
When we step aside and become open to solutions that we ourselves can’t quite conjure up, we create a space for those solutions to come. We have, in essence, gotten out of our own way.
Again, it’s not a quick fix. It’s a slow process. And it’s likely revisited again and again and…
Cuz…change is like water on a rock!
Wishing y’all a meaningful and enriching Passover.
Whatever it is that is on your heart, I hope you find progress, hope, and compassion.
For those interested in Passover Seder supplemental readings created for these trying times: In Every Generation and SAYder.
Mindful Nuggets 