The Shema is a prayer in three paragraphs considered to be the definitive declaration of faith in God. (See my blog: “Hear, O Israel” of June 4, 2020). The third paragraph is taken from the Torah, the book of Numbers, the section called “Shelach.
An important exhortation in this paragraph is to not be distracted by the yearnings of the heart [emotions] nor be led astray by the input of the eyes [all the senses]. These distractions disrupt the mindfulness necessary to stimulate and encompass a heavenly encounter on earth. They divert our attention and cause us to wander from a steady path.
Strong, subjectively experienced feelings, whether intentional or reactionary, are powerful influences in our lives. Love, anger, hatred, fear, agitation, and the many other emotions we experience in life push us into actions and attitudes that are the opposite of meditative. They draw us away from the spiritual experience. A person can easily be overwhelmed by passion.
We quickly learn to focus on and appreciate what we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. We naturally long for these spices that enhance the flavor of living. We want to indulge in all that the material world has to offer. There are just so many wonderful things out there. Our senses tend to dominate our focus in life. This is good, because life and our world are amazing experiences we are born to enjoy.
The physical world offers so much. It gives us the opportunity to create, build, and discover. Our personal growth in the earthly realm enhances the spiritual world. Together, our earthly and heavenly powers combine to realize the full potential of existence. This concept brings us to how the revelations of theTorah guide our ethereal focus.
The first line of the Shema teaches God is One. Absolute unity can only apply to the sole 100% spiritual entity: The Deity. Our worldly emotions and material awareness ground us in life. But sensory immersion interferes with our attempts to embrace Godly harmony. Recognizing unity is participating in the Heavenly realm. The Oneness of God adds an infinite and eternal dimension to our earthly lives.
Combining these two worlds enhances each of them. Dwelling in both spheres allows them to interact within us. This Is the ultimate goal of life. Drawing the spiritual into the physical repairs the limitations of the latter.
Creating this intersection entails a meditative approach. Whenever we concentrate on a task or endeavor by excluding tangential thinking, we are, in fact, meditating. Intentionally and consciously pondering and pursuing an undivided purpose is how we pursue oneness. In these ways, we bridge the earthly and heavenly worlds. One can discover many books and tapes and videos and classes as guides to the mechanisms and practical approaches for building meditation skills.
The benefits are heightened awareness, spiritual expansiveness, inner peace, and constant joy. In a tumultuous world, these are significant goals. They are attainable by allying to the separate and unified spirit that we all contain. The human soul is an available source waiting to be tapped to energize otherworldly gifts. As we embark and travel through our lives, we can also gain from the opportunity to add spiritual advantages. The first step along this path is to stick to the task and guard against wandering of the mind.
Though many think otherwise, people are best suited to concentrate on a single undertaking. Multitasking is never as effective. This is true in all human endeavors. Pursuing a career, building a relationship, enjoying a hobby, driving a car, reading a book, or any of the millions of human ventures are most successful when pursued mindfully.
As a bonus, this approach adds meditation to life. It awakens the heavenly powers. Spiritual and material bridging commences and advances. Repair of our efforts becomes evident. Satisfaction with life abounds.
Attaining and maintaining good health importantly falls into this discussion. In some of my blogs, I have explained habits that engender great vigor, enhance resistance to illness, mitigate discomfort, and slow aging. Achieving these goals demands an attentive approach, rejecting distraction. A triumphant life is a meditative experience. Do not wander from your purpose.
Health and Spirit by Dr. Jack Zoldan 