Weekly Kabbalah Tune Up: Risk Your Desire

Weekly Kabbalah Tune Up
October 3—9, 2010
Risk Your Desire
72 Name of the Week ayin      yud      aleph 67. Great Expectations T he other night I was studying Zohar and read about a time when Rav Shimon had gathered in his house with nine of his ten students. The tenth student, Rav Chiya, was not invited in. He was left outside to study. He felt a desire to be with Rav Shimon and felt bad -- not in the ego sense -- but rather, if Rav Shimon is revealing Light, why am I not there? Usually when we feel we’re missing out on something, there is a guilt and ego factor. But in this case, Rav Chiya felt the pure side of what he was missing out on: he was feeling true lack. The Zohar continues explaining that at one point, Rav Shimon noticed the presence of the Creator had left the group and moved outside to be with Rav Chiya -- because his desire outweighed anyone studying in the room. I share this lesson from the Zohar with you because, like the students in the room with Rav Shimon, one of our biggest obstacles is desire. Quite often we’re taking the physical action necessary to make things happen, but the core issue that prevents us from moving forward is not having true desire. We may desire to be successful and happy, but we don’t desire to participate in the work it takes to get there. We may desire to lose weight or break free from addictions, but we don’t desire to make the effort it takes to overcome our challenges. We might even desire greatness, but we don’t desire risk and vulnerability, so we prefer staying small and stuck. We desire powerful things, but do we desire the responsibility that comes with them? As the Zohar explains, sometimes you gain a lot by being with Rav Shimon and sometimes you gain a lot by not being with Rav Shimon. Why? Lack is a catalyst for true desire. And true desire is the key to achieving our purpose in this world. So this week, you have two assignments: In the areas of your life where you lack desire – appreciate what you do have rather than focusing on what you don’t. Appreciation increases your blessings. Lack of appreciation causes them to dissipate. In those same areas of life where you lack desire – get to the core issue. Are you shirking responsibility? Afraid of failure? Lazy? If you can work on the core issue, your desire will grow in leaps and bounds. Chances are, you’ll find that your effort and risk are worth it. I can’t wait to hear about the miracles that ensue.   All the best, Yehuda PS: Check out the 72 Names of God iphone app www.yehudaberg.com Find us on Facebook