Practical Spiritual Tidbits

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?

What are the 3 perspectives that we can have toward everything that happens in life? Based on the Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Formation), in this episode we explore the 3 viewpoints, always available to us, with which we can look at events in our lives.

Is there any spiritual significance to one's birthday? What can be learned from the fact that the only birthday mentioned in the Torah is Pharaoh? How can one make the most of their birthday? Is age just a number?

Is saying "no" a withholding of love or a channeling of it? What is a mindset that can help us to feel more ok saying no? Why did G-d bring the energy of boundaries into the world in the first place? Practically, what can someone think to help them use this energy in a G-dly way?

I believe lots of the dating advice "out there" can find roots in spiritual principles. In this episode we dive into some of the deeper dynamics of relationships from a Kabbalistic lens.

Do soulmates really exist? What does Kabbalah say about soulmates? What does the Talmud say? What are practical ways of thinking about it?

Why is it specifically water that helps a person become spiritually pure? What is the spiritual DNA of water? How do the physical quality of water reflect its spiritual quality? (Based on the book Secrets of the Mikvah by Rav Dov Ber Pinson)