I want to start by saying THANK YOU for leading this Soul Trait Studio session. It was supposed to be my first time in attendance, but a family responsibility (*Responsibility!*) intervened. However, I'm happy that I was able to watch the recording. I'd love to share some thoughts!
Like several others in the group, I too resonated with the "Radical Amazement" soul trait. It actually made me smile from ear to ear when my eyes met with it!!! I love that this soul trait takes it beyond mere amazement to RADICAL amazement—truly "finding magic in the mundane and divine in the everyday." (My own personal motto!)
I also gravitated towards "Judging Others Favorably."
One of the soul traits I felt repelled by was "Abstinence." I think my negative cultural associations with "abstinence" color my interpretation of the word. I associate the word with restrictions that are put UPON others by external forces; versus abstinence being a choice of withholding that come from within. But I REALLY liked what you had to say about the definition! *Joy of missing out*
I also felt repelled by "Orderly Speech" because I like to give myself and others permission to think aloud, to have safety at all times in unorganized/disorderly speech, to say things they're not quite sure about yet, that they may later rescind or simply no longer believe to be true. A lot of times, it takes saying something out loud to recognize whether or not you actually believe that thing to be true for yourself. But also, when I think of "disorder" versus "order"—and by extension, DISorderly speech vs. orderly speech— I think of disruptors. Dissenters. I think of those people who boldly say what no one else has been brave enough to say; for example, in the face of egregious acts and injustices. Their speech may be disorderly in the sense that it is disorganized/not thought out in advance, perhaps impassioned rather than pragmatic, and perhaps INTENDED to insight disorder. A disruption to oppressive systems (patriarchy, white supremacy, capitalism, ableism, anthropocentrism) and our general complacency within them. By all means then, disregard "orderly speech"!!!
With regards to the texts:
I really resonated with Text #1 - Rav Kohenet Jill Hammer's translation. I particularly liked the repetition in the first line — I am being, I am being — a reminder that (from the Kabbalistic perspective) we and all things are a PROCESS. A verb. Not a noun. You are Ketzirahing. I am Sarahing. My mom is Deboraing. My husband is Matthewing. We are never static, never in a state of completeness. Rather all things are always... being.
As an artist who is really interested in exploring legacy-building and our responsibility to the earth and to future generations, I also really enjoyed Text #2. For example, when it comes to environmental responsibility and moving forward with sustainable solutions, it can be so hard for people to remember that piece of wisdom: that we ourselves may never reap the benefits of change, but that future generations WILL, and thus it is our responsibility and HONOR to provide for them by "planting the carob tree" now in our own lifetime.
I love your take on “dis-orderly speech,” All soul traits are about proper use and balance. There is a time and place for orderly speech and a time for dissent and disruption (and thinking out loud). Maybe “Holy Boldness” is a counter weight for orderly speech.
Radical Amazement is, I believe, Alan Morinis’ translation of “Yirah” - awe/fear/reverence. I probably got “joy of missing out” from him too, when it relates to abstinence. Saying no so you can say yes.
And — I am Ketzirahing. I love that so much.
Glad you were able to honor your responsibilities and attend in your own time.
I want to start by saying THANK YOU for leading this Soul Trait Studio session. It was supposed to be my first time in attendance, but a family responsibility (*Responsibility!*) intervened. However, I'm happy that I was able to watch the recording. I'd love to share some thoughts!
Like several others in the group, I too resonated with the "Radical Amazement" soul trait. It actually made me smile from ear to ear when my eyes met with it!!! I love that this soul trait takes it beyond mere amazement to RADICAL amazement—truly "finding magic in the mundane and divine in the everyday." (My own personal motto!)
I also gravitated towards "Judging Others Favorably."
One of the soul traits I felt repelled by was "Abstinence." I think my negative cultural associations with "abstinence" color my interpretation of the word. I associate the word with restrictions that are put UPON others by external forces; versus abstinence being a choice of withholding that come from within. But I REALLY liked what you had to say about the definition! *Joy of missing out*
I also felt repelled by "Orderly Speech" because I like to give myself and others permission to think aloud, to have safety at all times in unorganized/disorderly speech, to say things they're not quite sure about yet, that they may later rescind or simply no longer believe to be true. A lot of times, it takes saying something out loud to recognize whether or not you actually believe that thing to be true for yourself. But also, when I think of "disorder" versus "order"—and by extension, DISorderly speech vs. orderly speech— I think of disruptors. Dissenters. I think of those people who boldly say what no one else has been brave enough to say; for example, in the face of egregious acts and injustices. Their speech may be disorderly in the sense that it is disorganized/not thought out in advance, perhaps impassioned rather than pragmatic, and perhaps INTENDED to insight disorder. A disruption to oppressive systems (patriarchy, white supremacy, capitalism, ableism, anthropocentrism) and our general complacency within them. By all means then, disregard "orderly speech"!!!
With regards to the texts:
I really resonated with Text #1 - Rav Kohenet Jill Hammer's translation. I particularly liked the repetition in the first line — I am being, I am being — a reminder that (from the Kabbalistic perspective) we and all things are a PROCESS. A verb. Not a noun. You are Ketzirahing. I am Sarahing. My mom is Deboraing. My husband is Matthewing. We are never static, never in a state of completeness. Rather all things are always... being.
As an artist who is really interested in exploring legacy-building and our responsibility to the earth and to future generations, I also really enjoyed Text #2. For example, when it comes to environmental responsibility and moving forward with sustainable solutions, it can be so hard for people to remember that piece of wisdom: that we ourselves may never reap the benefits of change, but that future generations WILL, and thus it is our responsibility and HONOR to provide for them by "planting the carob tree" now in our own lifetime.
Wow!! Thank you for such deep sharing.
I love your take on “dis-orderly speech,” All soul traits are about proper use and balance. There is a time and place for orderly speech and a time for dissent and disruption (and thinking out loud). Maybe “Holy Boldness” is a counter weight for orderly speech.
Radical Amazement is, I believe, Alan Morinis’ translation of “Yirah” - awe/fear/reverence. I probably got “joy of missing out” from him too, when it relates to abstinence. Saying no so you can say yes.
And — I am Ketzirahing. I love that so much.
Glad you were able to honor your responsibilities and attend in your own time.