Being raised as an Orthodox Jew, the Siddur (Jewish prayer book) played a prominent role in my education. As a young adult, I paid even closer attention to the words of the prayers and their historical context and significance. In later years I became less by the book, literally, and didn't recite them regularly. Instead, … Continue reading Self-Love in the Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book)
Tag: prayer
Working Mama’s Prayer
A Psalm to the L-rd Weary are my eyes and downtrodden is my soul Day after day I toil to bring home daily bread Sit in gnarled posture, slaving away on me computer A thirst for money, for financial security. For affording a comfortable life. Nevertheless my heart aches For the time when I can … Continue reading Working Mama’s Prayer
My Grandma Passed Away
Today an era ended—Grandma Edie passed away. She was my step grandmother, but having married my grandfather in the 1970s, she was my grandma my whole life. Grandma Edie was strong—physically: she loved to dance, she took Martha Graham dance classes and actually received a masters from Teachers College in physical education in the 1930s. … Continue reading My Grandma Passed Away
Procedural Memory and Prayer
This past Sunday I attended the entire morning prayer service (Shacharit) for the first time in a while. I went to recite Kaddish, the memorial prayer, since it was my father's yahrzeit (anniversary of death). It has been a while since I prayed the entire morning service. I started in middle school and did so … Continue reading Procedural Memory and Prayer
Positive Affirmations—Where Were They When I Was Growing Up?
I am currently entering round 17 of embarking on greater self-compassion. I've studied it, practiced it, but for some other reason or another—boredom with the practice, lacking time to commit, or caring for my toddler daughter—I have not sustained it long term. The greatest break was when I incurred a back injury in 2011, and … Continue reading Positive Affirmations—Where Were They When I Was Growing Up?
Prayer as Nourishment
Prayers aren't supposed to be something we say because we HAVE to, they are not something to Get Through. They are nourishing our souls. Mindful praying, like mindful eating. Although the food analogy is tough because many of us, including myself, rush to eat our food too! May we all be able to slow down … Continue reading Prayer as Nourishment
Reciting Morning Blessings in Nature
There is a sequence of Jewish prayers in the morning. I grew up saying them, continued into my young adulthood and then stopped due to having new responsibilities as a young professional as well as feeling a need to let go of my childhood religious rituals. But I still from time to time say these … Continue reading Reciting Morning Blessings in Nature
Daily Prayer is a Reminder of G-d Above
As I said in my previous post, it is only my efforts PLUS G-d's blessings which bring success. I suppose that is a major reason for why religions instituted daily prayer (even three or five times a day!): to keep us constantly mindful that G-d is ultimately in charge. I bought this plaque in Harlem … Continue reading Daily Prayer is a Reminder of G-d Above
Run, Pray, Blog
"Consistent practices yield creative episodes that wouldn't have otherwise occurred had one not been doing them consistently." This was an idea I thought of when I was 19. I wrote it down following a jog I had taken that evening. I realized that while not every jog would be invigorating and amazing, by jogging regularly … Continue reading Run, Pray, Blog
Mindful Nuggets 