Practical Spiritual Tidbits

In this episode, we discuss Kabalistic teachings about happiness. Is happiness is a goal or a means? If it's a means, then to what end? Why did the Kabalists consider being happy to be something spiritual?

The Talmud teaches that at the end of our lives we are all asked 6 questions. In this episode we explore those questions, and suggest that they parallel the top 5 regrets of the dying.

This episode is all about strengthening hope. We bring various sources that can inspire hope and optimism.

In this episode, Batsheva and I sit and discuss topics of spirituality, intuition, faith, trust, Source, and surrender. Batsheva is a lawyer, writer, and artist. If you'd like to see more of her content, check out her new art instagram page @cloudsofthesoul_

The Kabbalists teach that ironically, clothing simultaneously covers (our body) and reveals (our soul.) In this episode, we explore the 3 functions of clothing from a spiritual perspective.

About 2,400 years ago, a group of prophets and sages wrote a prayer called the "Amidah," which contains secrets for how to most effectively pray/manifest. In this episode we share 3 of them.

In this episode we explore the question of: why do we feel drawn to certain locations on earth? What can impact the energy of physical places? Why do some places feel more like home?

The way that we anticipate our future deeply impacts how we feel in the present. In this episode, we give visual analogies to explain the difference between fear and faith, and how faith can counteract fear.

How much energy do you have? How can one measure that? In this episode we look at how the Chinese concepts of Jing, Qi and Shen correspond to Kabbalistic thought.

When we live in a state of "waiting" for something to change, our mind is by definition not fully present. In this episode we offer a spiritual perspective that can help bring more peace and presence.

What does it mean to be "spiritual"? And what does it mean to be "religious"? What are the similarities and differences?

The Law of Attraction is the spiritual principle that the energy you emit is the energy you attract. Is this actually true? In this episode, we discuss earlier sources for this Law.

In this episode, we analyze the biblical verse about telling the truth. We uncover 3 different meanings of the verse, and show how each of them are practically relevant. We also briefly discuss "biblical laws/Mitzvot" in general.

In this episode, we explore the human body from a spiritual perspective. Is the human BODY created in God's image or just our soul? Can the physical body be healed with spiritual practices? What did the Sages mean that "the father makes the child's bones and the mother makes the child's flesh"? Do we make decisions from our brain or body? Why does eye contact feel so intimate...

We all know the importance of positive thinking. Interestingly, the Bible teaches about this. In this episode we discuss 4 examples from the Torah & Talmud of positive thinking.

We all know the power of music to transform our mood, feelings, and inspire creativity. But why? How? In this episode we explain how this works on a spiritual level.

In this episode we talk about 3 levels of relationships - both between us and other people, and between us and the Creator. How is it possible to relate to G-d? What are practical ways to think about a Higher Power in a way that's relatable? How do those parallel the 3 levels of depth in a human relationship?

What are the 4 Hebrew words for "sin"? What do their deeper meanings teach us about how we can think about our past 'mistakes' differently?

In this episode we give concrete examples of masculine and feminine energies, based on the Kabbalists' definition of those terms.

What is so special about the Land of Israel? What are some of its unique spiritual qualities? How do we see those expressed practically? (I didn't have my usual equipment today so this was recorded on my phone, apologies for the audio quality)

In this episode we describe a "spiritual personality test." The Arizal taught that there are 2 types of souls--each created to help fulfill the Divine purpose of the world. Your soul-type impacts many aspects of your personality, such as emotion vs. logic, how you view speech, whether you're more inclined toward having faith or working hard.

In this episode we discuss a spiritual tradition for how to stay safe and protected in this world.

In this episode we talk about the Kabbalistic concept of the "four levels of Da'at (דעת)"- which are 4 ways to connect our thoughts to reality. Specifically, we discuss 4 ways to relate to pain.

In this episode we discuss how the Mystics thought about physical beauty and delicious food. Why does the Torah say that Rachel was pretty-- especially if Samuel is told not to look at beauty? And how can one elevate eating into a connective experience?

What do the Mystics teach about gratitude? Why does specifically gratitude hold such power? How can one practically feel more grateful?