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 … Continue reading Movement-Based Learning and the Post-Exile Jew
Tag: mindful living
Living in the Moment Showcased in “Coming to America” Movie
I want to make a GIF (if that's not copyright infringement) of Eddie Murphy's character coming out of his apartment and exclaiming "GOOD MORNING Queens!!!" (It was then followed by someone yelling "Fu** You!!!" asking him to be quiet.) Here was an African prince in awe of the slums! Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler and other righteous … Continue reading Living in the Moment Showcased in “Coming to America” Movie
What is Joy?
I passed by a fountain during my lunch break walk. I thought, “That fountain looks so happy!” What does that even mean? How can a fountain be happy? Because the water was gushing out unabashedly. It didn’t care how messy it was. It wasn’t self-conscious about what others thought of how it expressed itself. It … Continue reading What is Joy?
Morning Stretches Wake Up the Body AND the Mind
When I stretch in the morning, I not only wake up my spine and loosen my joints, I awaken my child-like wonder. I am training my body to stay young not only physically, but young at heart, body, mind, and soul.
In the Words of Doja Cat…
I have Doja Cat to thank for my becoming more confident in my self-expression. When I watched her interview with MTV a couple months back she said she is doing what she loves and she is so happy others enjoy it—cuz she gonna keep on producing her style. The thing is, the video she made … Continue reading In the Words of Doja Cat…
Yo Quiero Taco Bell
In 7th grade we had a school sleepover and I wore a t-shirt to sleep that said "Yo quiero Taco Bell" and had a picture of the chihuahua from the commercial. My whole childhood I was self-conscious about wearing shirts with words on them. I didn't want to make a statement, make waves, offend someone, … Continue reading Yo Quiero Taco Bell
Empowered Life
When my father suddenly passed away. I took two weeks off my college. The second week was to sit shiva, the tradition of morning in the Jewish tradition. When I got back to college, not only did I keep up with my work, but I excelled just as well, if not more. Maybe G-d is … Continue reading Empowered Life
What If It’s OK?
Do you have something you do that you wish you did differently? You're like, "C'mon Gila, of course. What kind of question is that?" Ok, well, out of the myriad of things that popped into your mind, pick one! Here's my example: I wish I had more clout and confidence with my private clients. I … Continue reading What If It’s OK?
Reorganizing My Soul
This morning, I had an epiphany: I could replace my smaller brown bookcase with a larger black one to match my other medium black one. Yup, that was it. Can you tell I'm moving? These are the thoughts going through my mind! But truly, I woke up this morning, realizing that if I store the … Continue reading Reorganizing My Soul
Under Construction
I remember seeing construction sites when I was going through a hard time after breaking up with my boyfriend in 2007. It was a relationship I started on the heels of my father's sudden passing, so as you can imagine, I wasn't in the healthiest, most fulfilled inner state. When I saw construction sites, I … Continue reading Under Construction
Mindful Nuggets 