Category: Motivation

Awakening the Divine Spark Within

Brendan CiliaLeave a comment

As we progress through life, we may find ourselves searching for a deeper understanding of the world and our place within it. We may often ponder the larger meaning of life and seek to understand our true purpose in existence, looking for ways to connect with something far greater than ourselves alone. This journey of exploration is a deeply personal one that can take us on a profound path to self-discovery and understanding. In the study of Torah and Jewish teachings, we are constantly reminded of the ultimate goal of life, which is to establish a meaningful relationship with HaShem—God, and to find that spark of infinity within ourselves. This brilliant spark of the divine, within us all, is one of our most valuable assets and can be tapped into to create remarkable transformations in our lives. It is this divine spark of Godliness at the core of our being that can help us find clarity, purpose and direction as we journey through life.

To truly connect with the divine, we must look beyond the superficial and delve deeper within ourselves. Through introspection, personal prayer, self-improvement, and a dedicated pursuit of spiritual growth, we can uncover the hidden truths that lie within. This journey of self-discovery requires commitment and effort, but it leads to a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By embracing personal responsibility for our spiritual development, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with Hashem and the world around us.

The Holy Torah and Sages of Israel guide us to see the world with a sense of wonder and reverence, reminding us that there is a higher power that pervades all aspects of life. By cultivating a deep and meaningful relationship with HaShem, we can find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives. This connection brings blessings and creates a sense of contentment, happiness, and peace that permeates every aspect of our existence. It is through this connection to God that we come to understand our place in the world and the role we are meant to play in fulfilling our ultimate potential. It is a journey of self-discovery, growth and enlightenment, as we come to realise that through our relationship with Hashem, we become our true selves.

It is important to remember that this connection to the divine is not something that can be achieved overnight. It is a lifelong pursuit that requires constant effort, discipline, and a willingness to let go of our preconceptions and biases. This process of spiritual growth is not always easy, and there will be moments when we may feel lost or uncertain. But by committing ourselves to this journey, we open ourselves to the possibility of discovering the true purpose of our existence and awaken our inner gifts. It is through this process of self-discovery, we come to understand that our relationship to God is not just about attaining a state of enlightenment, but it’s about the journey itself, the learning, the growth and the transformation that come from it. It’s about becoming the best version of ourselves, one step at a time, one day at a time. It’s about becoming fully alive and in touch with our inner selves and the world around us.

As a people, the Jews have blessed us with a unique perspective on the world, one that enables us to appreciate and make the most of the opportunities that come our way, while also acknowledging that there is always a higher purpose and greater challenges that we can strive towards. As we find ourselves fully immersed in the year 2023, with a high likelihood of the coming of Moshiach and the redemption of the world, it is important for us to remember that this is not a time to be passive but to actively seek to deepen our connection and develop a meaningful relationship with Hashem, our loving Creator, Father, and King. Through this connection, we will be able to find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives, blessings, and a sense of contentment, happiness, and peace that permeates every aspect of our existence. It is through this relationship with Him that we come to understand our place in the world and the role we are meant to play in fulfilling our ultimate potential, and the purpose of our entire existence.

Pause and reflect

Brendan CiliaLeave a comment

There’s at least one thing I’m gradually finally learning for my own good over the last few weeks, and it is perhaps the most profound and important for me in my own life, and it’s is to truly pause and reflect before replying to anything. To compose and repose myself after an external event or word spoken to, then and only then to give a sincere response.

It is a mark of wisdom to be patient, but to be patient in the moment takes extreme self-restraint. This is something that can be learnt by all of us if we are truly going to live a good life. For responses to hardship, criticism and pain can only prove to provide fuel to the exact situations our responses are intended to dissuade if they are reactionary.

This is a rule intrinsic to human interaction and it can be expounded by stating that pausing to reflect before action yields positive results and acting reactively yields the exact circumstances we endeavour to avoid. 

I’m continuing to learn to pause before replying, to assess the situation with all the wisdom and insight accessible to me and only then provide a response. Yes, the silence or inaction may be deafening or even awkward but this is how it must be, and how it must be to be free and obtain control of one’s destiny.

It makes logical sense to pause and reflect before a response to life’s occurrences because it gives time to nominate the best outcome for each individual circumstance. It takes practice and a strong will but it is most definitely worth it. Try it the next time you feel flustered – simply stop in your tracks. Take a moment. Think of the consequences, breath and then reply. Make a habit of it and you will quickly discover its benefits.

As always, stay blessed!

Be You!

Brendan CiliaLeave a comment

We are not alive to be anyone but ourselves. 

Logically and rationally we cannot be anyone else and for all of us, myself included, it’s time we stop trying to do the impossible and wanting to be someone else.

I think many, myself notwithstanding, have lived in a dream-like state of wishing to be different and better. That is fine, but concurrently that is not who you or I am. The essence of your reality is you are you the way you are and nothing is going to change that. 

You’ll never magically learn those skills you’ve been wanting to learn for years or transform into that better body you crave. You can be different and better, but not by becoming an entirely new person. 

The reason you have thought that you could learn those skills and transform into a better body but haven’t in actuality is because you’ve chased another identity other than your own.

Does this ring true for you? It does for me. I’ve wanted to have the knowledge of a thousand books but without actually accepting that I am who I am without having read them. Now though I am starting to accept that I am me just as is, as is you without already having accomplished what you desire in your heart and mind.

The solution to being you, I believe, is to solemnly concede that being you is all you can be, as is. Nothing more, nothing less and with no strings attached. A concession with the sober knowledge that no alternative options are available to you.

To be you by giving yourself consent in the knowledge that as no other options are available to you being you is not only perfectly fine, it’s how it’s actually designed to be.

Upon truly giving yourself the consent to be you I believe then and only then can you be unequivocally free. Stay blessed!