Hello 5779

Every night, I write in my journal to reflect on my day.  As years pass, it has become a favorite time of my day.  I share my joy, my anger, my compassion, my pride and even little stories that I want to remember.  Typically, when I read it back, I am often surprised by how the words still have so much feeling attached to them.  Emotions are in my books and I'm grateful.  Though I don't feel the same in the moment I'm reading, I can look back to a time that I embraced or survived.  I'm so grateful to all who encouraged my journaling because it is the greatest gift for me and ultimately for my children.

So what's next for 5779?

When I write about what I hope for and setting goals, I have stopped using the word resolution.  Now, as I look forward, I also look deeper.  What is most meaningful to me?  What makes me happiest?  How can I remove the more toxic aspects?  Can I take the next positive step and the next more honest step?

Here are some ideas for how I want to live in 5779:

• This year, my husband and I arrived at 22 years.  To celebrate, we opted for spending time quietly with family and friends who stood up for us.  So really, while celebrating 22 years of marriage, we also celebrated 22 years of our family and friendships.  Oh, and the food was delicious too!
• One of my favorite moments last year was learning with my kids.  Reading what their reading, sharing music and watching tv and movies (old and new) has enriched our conversations in ways I didn't expect.  These conversations may teach us to argue and debate, allow us to laugh and cry or just simply allow us to spend time listening to each other respectfully.
• As I reflect on my old journals, I want to start blogging more.  For the past couple of years, I have found myself up against writer's block, fear, exhaustion and laziness.  I've received wonderful support and often feel a great sense of accomplishment once another post is completed and posted.  New hashtag #mywordsmystorymysolution
• Another area that has given me a sense of fulfillment is my work on our community.  There is more work to be done as a community member.  Serving on boards and committees to put values into action allow me to be a partner and give back.  
• Over the past year, I challenged myself physically.  I surprised myself by learning to spin, swimming, hiking and deepening my meditation.  Accomplishing a challenge has helped me grow, given me insight into my own strength and just feels good.  Definitely more of that in the coming year. 

Shana tova to all who celebrate. Looking forward to 5779 and taking time for my family, my community and myself. 

Today is Today

I had the privilege of leading meditation today.  Meditation Plus has been a constant source of encouragement, support and growth for the past six years.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead and appreciate the meaningful discussion which followed.  Enjoy the meditation.

Shabbat Shalom. 

Today I invite you on a journey of exploration during this meditation.  A journey to find the words that you can choose as your mantra.  These words are for today.  Today this is where you are.  We can only be where we are.  Tomorrow you may have new words, but that is for tomorrow.  Today, we only think about now, here in this room, together. 

I invite you on a journey of openness, a journey of thoughtful breathing.

Let start with our physical pose.  I invite you to get comfortable.

Feel your feet on the floor.  Feel the solid ground under your feet.

Feel your legs.  Be aware of their presence on the chair, your bended knee. 

Feel your hips and your back and relax in the seated position.  Breathe deep into your lungs.  Pull your shoulders back. Let go of your breath.  Tilt your head up and feel the ease of your breath. 

Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Breathe in.  Breathe out. 

For this moment, let go of the self-critic.  Decisions are decisions, neither good nor bad.  Without judgement, our journey experiences a freedom to just be.  We can walk forward to embrace the decision, accept it, enjoy its success or learn from its failure.  To do this, we must change our own words.  This is one way to release the critical voice. 

As we go into our silent meditation, I invite you to use words that help you focus, bring you back to the center and offer a sense of calm.

I walk this path with kindness.

I am on a journey forward.

I am grounded.

I am one in a community.

I am safe.

Or choose a short phrase for your own repetition.

And then we sat for 15 minutes in a silent meditation. 

Lead the energy with #mindfulmanagement

Earlier in the week, I participated as faculty in the Jewish Federations of North America's ILead Conference.  Co-leading with my friend and colleague Beverly Woznica, we shared real life experiences, best practices and the joy of doing what we love.  The gift I received in return is seeing young professionals or new-to-the-field professionals who are passionate, enthusiastic and energetic about wanting to make an impact in the their professional role.

Over the course of less than two days, it was great to have conversations with colleagues from around the country who want to know more and asked the most simple questions to those questions that many of us experienced professionals still struggle with today.  What is most clear to me is that at any stage in one's career, it is the energy we put forth that can inspire or beat down.  In my continuing series of #mindfulmanagement, below are some ideas about how to stay focused to put forth positive energy.

• The choices we make impact others, this is one of the cornerstones of my leading style.  
• People are watching you, they see your values in ever decision and every behavior.
• Serious, focused, fun and inspiring can happen in the same meeting, use it all to keep up the productivity of your team.
• Difficult conversations are necessary, guide them with honesty and kindness.
• Give feedback - try not to think of it is good or bad, it is simply an opportunity to help someone grow. 
• If you are having a difficult time, share it with someone and ask for help. Your supervisor and colleagues are available to help you process any issues you might be facing.

#mindfulmanagement takes practice.  

• Having a difficult day, take a walk around the block, take a moment to breathe, find somewhere safe and make the change inside.  Breathe.
• Listen to your own voice, is it shaky? is it strong? Breathe and find your strength.
• If you enjoy your job, teach others to do the same.

Have a great week! 

Staycation - Staying Never Felt So Good

My vacation is almost over and I've never felt better.  It is not easy today to watch all the posts of my friends travel around the world while I remain at home.  Except that today, enriched from 10 days of vacation at home, this was an experience that I will look back as more than satisfying.  Achieving simple goals by using my time to do yoga, to eat healthy, to think healthy, to spend time with my family, to have fun and to accomplish big home projects with my husband.  In every experience, I walked away reconnected to myself, my family or my friends.

The big news is that I am a planner.  Those who know me might say, "No kidding." And I always knew that I am best when I am in my routine, but this was different.  I had a new plan every day.  Without my regular routine, I was free in LA to do something new, something different, something meaningful and/or something fun.

When I drive home from work, I often reflect on how much or how frustrating my day had been.  During this vacation, I took time to breathe, reflect on the past 6 months and thought about how much more I want to do for the rest of the year and even beyond.  Vacation is a separation from my routine that made me realize how much I value my routine.  These two weeks offered me the opportunity to reconnect.

I didn't go the the beach, I didn't climb mountains, and there are a lot more experiences I didn't have, but what I did have was real, meaningful and fulfilling.  When I was planning this vacation, I had one thought - "Don't get to the end of the vacation and regret it."  And I do not.  I will cherish these next couple of days before I return to work and know that I am returning to work happier, relaxed, satisfied, and excited for what is next.

 

Change of Scenery #staycation #immersingmyselfingoodness

Day 3 - When I first planned my vacation, I had hoped that my family would be able to take a trip somewhere. Unfortunately, this year we had to stay close to home but I still kept my vacation days on the schedule.  I had my concerns about my staycation as I had written before, but making the moments count so that I can feel like I am on vacation was my real goal.  

While I am on vacation, my kids are in school and camp and my husband has his to do list which leaves me time to create opportunities to enjoy time in my own city.  One of the best ways for me to change my perspective when I feel stuck is to change my scenery.  It could be as easy as driving a new way, taking these yoga classes or even relaxing in a different part of my house (my house is not that big, so this is actually not as easy as it sounds).  

So here is my plan for the next few days - 

Yoga - I got my free week and I'm on day 3 and yes, I love it.  I hope I still love it when I am paying for it or when I am back at work and trying to find the time to get to class.

Movies - I love going to the movies, but I go to the same 2 theaters all the time.  After today when I see newest Transformers at my regular theater, I going to make some plans to see movies at different theaters around LA.  It will give me a chance to step out of my familiar places and give my senses a little wake up.

Restaurants - This takes a lot of planning and sometimes too much time when 4 people all want to chime in about where we should eat.  Over the next week or so, I'd like to choose 2-3 new places to have a new dining experience with my family.  So many new interesting places have opened and again, if I drive a little farther then my typical 4-5 mile radius, my senses will have to become more alert to what is happening around me.

More to come...

Day 14 - #mywaytohealthylife Immersing Myself in Goodness

This past week was not as easy to be on my healthy track.  And before I start making excuses, I just want to keep going and try to make more good decisions than bad.  In anticipation of my vacation which is supposed to help me relax, I was overwhelmed with all that I needed to do to prepare for 2 weeks out of the office, but still be at home.  I'm planning my staycation with enthusiasm so that I can make the most out of a vacation I really need.

The theme of this staycation is to immerse myself in goodness.  Living in LA, I often see people midday out for a run, lounging in their favorite coffee shop with a good book, posting on FB that they are at the beach or at movie, and I always wonder, "What do they do?  Why do they get to do such fun things during the day?"  I want to do that.  So for the next 2 weeks, I am immersing myself in taking the time to see the sights, work out, finish a few books and even organize my life.

It's going to take effort to create a daily to do list balancing fun, spirituality and the errands that I need to do.  Here is my first attempt at the next few days:

Sunday - Father's day.  Family time.
Monday - Yoga class, clean out closet, relax in my backyard
Tuesday - Walk, meet friends for lunch, healthy food shopping and cook dinner, try spin class
Wednesday - Yoga class, lunch with my daughter, go to the opening day of new "Transformers"

Somewhere in these days, I want to meditate.  I may start my day with daily minyan which is truly immersing myself in goodness. The spirituality that I feel in that room of prayer gives me strength. The hum of the individuals praying, themselves trying to start their day with words of gratitude, envelops me in a way that I have trouble putting into words, but it is good.

First steps can get me to where I want to go.  Keep moving forward will allow me to succeed and have the staycation that I need and want.

Stay tuned.

Mindful Management #whathatareyouwearing

In a recent conversation, a few of us were brainstorming and some asked, "What hat are you wearing?"  It will likely become the theme of our staff retreat later this summer.  I have heard this phrase before, but at that moment it really struck me as a challenge and opportunity.  I used to find the changing of the hats as difficult, awkward and unsettling.  Now, I change hats with a smooth transition and allow this growth to enhance my experience.

Clarity of hats - The biggest lesson I've learned is to wear one hat at a time.  It is just easier for everyone.  Am I the team leader?  If so, then lead.  Am I the team member? If so, then be a creative and supportive force on the team.  The best meetings allow all staff to share, learn, create and feel we all accomplished.

Chaos of hats - Sometimes when I am distracted, frustrated, rushed, or misunderstood, I need to just listen.  Even when I see my colleagues in their specific roles, personalities and moods get in the way of accomplishing our goals.  During these moments, I try to sit back and listen.  Most often, the "listening hat" is my solution to help move past the chaos.

My "Best Self" hat - My most important hat.  Striving to be my best self is the most productive, fulfilling and positive way for me and those around me.  Trying to make good decisions for me, for my family, and for my staff takes time, thoughtfulness and the ability to see the bigger picture.  During difficult conversations, it is important to keep calm and focus on how best to accomplish one's goals for the conversation.  I have to remember that the person facing me needs to hear me in a kind and assertive manner.  Showing strength, confidence and grace at this time is the key to having a difficult, yet successful conversation.

For the next two weeks, I will be wearing my vacation hat and while I won't literally be wearing a hat, I will make sure that to bring some balance back to my life and I will figuratively keep that hat on for the next two weeks.  It's all part of #mywaytohealthylife.

Shabbat Shalom and have a great weekend.

Day 8 - #mywaytohealthylife

Day 8 - In this weekly journal, I want to track my progress as well as keep a record of some very good lessons I learned this week.  Here we go...

• I can do this.
• Focus on my mind first.  That's where I make the right decisions.  Reminds me of the old saying, "The fish stinks from the head." (one of my favorites and applicable in so many situations.)
• Do things that are good for the heart.  
• Meditation - brings the heart rate down and allows my mind to clear.
• Celebrate joyful moments.  Every moment.  Every one.
• Play cards
• Cook
• Hang out with people who make you smile.
• Count small successes
• Learn from the missteps
• Keep going
• Keep track and stick to routine

I'm taking a deep breath and taking my next step forward.  

Day 1 - #mywaytohealthylife

Today is day 1 of my own personal health challenge.  It took me a while to get here and of course, I'm mad that I'm starting over again.  I'm also relieved that I'm here again.  There is some freedom in getting back to a healthy routine, a regiment that gives me direction and goals.  I like structure and I enjoy cooking, meditation, and living positively.

Why today?  Probably because I want to, need to and am tired of not feeling as good as I used to.

How will I do this?  I'm going to write a lot.  Track my food, my exercise and start writing here again to share my progress.  So many of my friends inspire me by their healthy choices and I want to include all great ideas.

How do I define success?  I'm sure everyone has great answer for this - reach my goal weight, lose inches, wear a smaller size and those will define part of my success.  In addition, I want finally integrate my mind, body and soul so that I don't have to start this over again and again.  I will only know that success years from now and that is something I'm ready to start right now.  Working to achieve that balance of family, health, friendship, community and career will be my success.

What are my rules?  This is the easy part.

1. Stay focused
2. Make good decisions
3. Meditate
4. Be kind to myself

So here we go...

Walking on Gravel - Finding the Concrete in People

I can give you a list of things that make me unsteady right now and I would imagine that many people have similar lists.  A couple of weeks ago, in #MeditationPlus, our discussion brought the following image to my mind: I was walking on gravel, recognizing the fact that I had been looking for the street to be solid concrete.  I wasn't afraid, I had a feeling of being settled and accepted the new state of what was beneath my feet.

During shaky times in my life, I look for solid ground.  Or I should say, I used to look for solid ground, a handrail to hold, and a friend to lean on.  Walking in the world doesn't always feel safe, solid, sturdy, or secure.  The past few weeks have been busy, crazy, intense with some personal changes.  Transition doesn't have to be hard, it just isn't every easy.  Adjustment to new things often brings loss of something else.

I don't have to search for solid ground anymore, safety comes in the comfort of others and in the comforting of others.  Connecting to another is what gives me that solid feeling I want.  Recently, I chaired the JCPSC Honors Gala - an evening of celebration for our Jewish Communal Professionals. Standing among my peers, I felt like a superhero - stronger with my team, all diverse with unique talents and all running our own universe.  But on this night, we are together, inspiring each other and seeing our past, present and opportunities for the future.

Today, I'm not focusing on my lists of things that make me shaky and unsteady, today, I gather strength from my family, my colleagues and my peers in the field.  Thank you to the JCPSC for allowing me to create something special for the community.

#HappyThanksgiving #lovemyjob #walkingongravel

A Life Still Doing - #valuesinaction

So much to do!  This is a phrase that sits sometime comfortably or uncomfortably in my heart and mind.  Elul and the Jewish holidays have allowed me to reflect and look ahead.  With my #valuesinaction mindset, I've thought about my #5777goals:

• Say yes when I can
• Say no when it is best 
• Stay hungry for learning
• Explore Los Angeles through visiting dog parks around the city
• Host meals in my home
• Enjoy my backyard
• Continue to #lovemyjob and raise a lot of money
• Choose gratitude and happiness as a state of mind
• Embrace hardship when faced with it and look for help to walk through it.
• Look ahead 5 years, 10 years and create a personal and family plan.  Where do I/we want to be and how do I/we get there.

Welcome 5777!  I'm ready.

Showing Up Changes Perspective - #valuesinaction

I wanted to sleep in.  I could have slept in.  But yesterday was Shabbat and Meditation Plus began at 9:15am.  I wanted to stay home, stay in my pajamas and the world outside.  It was an intense week, all the normal anxieties of adulthood felt exponentially heightened.  Each smile felt forced, each joyful moment (there were some) felt brief.

So, when I could have stayed home, when I wanted to stay home - I didn't.  I got up, got dressed and made my ritual Shabbat morning walk to shul.  I still felt off, still felt like the walk was longer than other days.  But I continued, put one foot in front of the other and kept going.  I looked up at the sky, concentrated on breathing and tried to find some enjoyment in the beautiful day.  Though clear outside, I, myself, felt cloudy.

I finally arrived and with each heavy step, climbed the stairs without the usually skip in my step.  "Just get there," I said to myself.  I reached the top of the stairs and took a deep breath, "I made it," I thought to myself.  To find some instant comfort, I sat in one of my favorite seats.  I had moved it a few weeks before for a change of perspective, but like a security blanket, the moment I sat in my favorite seat, I relaxed a little more.

And then we began.  Rabbi Ruth Sohn's voice guided us first and then after our silent meditation, I felt elevated, refueled, relaxed, and calm.  I shared with the group that during the meditation, I had an image of walking through mud, dragging myself to get to where I was going, and that the meditation had helped remove me from the mud.  As the meditation progressed, my imagery included stepping out of the mud and standing unburdened.  All it took was for me to show up.  Even though I wanted to sleep in and stay home.  I made the right decision.

Show up! I took that action a few more times which lead to great conversations, reconnecting with friends and a new perspective for the holiday of Sukkot.  These past 48 hours have been transformative.  As the holiday teaches us that life is fragile, temporary, open and what matters most are your family, friends, your community, and the values that allow you to stay close, reach out to others, share food, friendship and love.

Chag Sameach

Finding Values in Your Younger Self - #ValuesInAction

This Yom Kippur, I am looking at our past to hear the voices which help guide me today and tomorrow.  While cleaning up and preparing for our Break the Fast, I found this tribute to Rabbi Jacob Pressman that my husband Perry wrote in 1975.  It was a Birthday Gala and Perry was 13, a seventh grader.  He remembers reading it in front of everyone at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  Losing Rabbi Pressman this year was a tremendous loss for the community.  Reading Perry's words reminds me of Rabbi Pressman's extraordinary leadership and the impact that he had on so many.  Attached is the original. Seeing the words in Perry's younger handwriting only emphasizes his respect for Rabbi Pressman and that he kept it all these years speaks to Perry's own values of remembering those who made an impact on him.  #ValuesInAction.  I'm proud to read these words today and proud to know that man who wrote those words so many years ago.

For your enjoyment and some reminiscing, Perry gave me permission to post his tribute to Rabbi Pressman.

October 21, 1975

I think of Rabbi Pressman
When I think of all great men
He is very understanding
and wouldn't commit a sin

He always helps at Herzl
He helps us with our homework
And he tries his best to Lxxxx down
When Lxxxx goes berserk.

He is a very good leader
And know how to judge what's right
One thing Rabbi an certainly do
is give an excellent sermon on Friday night.

Rabbi Pressman, I know you pretty well
And I've got one more thing to say
From all of us to all of you,
Happy Birthday

Truth in Kindness #valuesinaction

One of the most important values in my life is truth.  As long as I can remember, I always knew that it was important for me to tell the truth.  When I was young, it was because I knew that my mother would be furious if I lied. But as I quickly learned, I didn't always tell the truth as young girl or a young woman.

When I was older, I learned the difference between secrecy and privacy.  In my solid adult friendships, I share with those I trust and only share what I want with those who don't need to know my life's story.  And further, I sometimes find myself in my circle friends or my meditation group or with complete strangers and I hear my voice sharing something deeply personal because either I need to share it or I believe that someone else needs to hear it.

Speak truth with kindness - it is how we learn to trust each other and deepen our personal relationships.  Today, someone told me the truth.  It can be scary because it means that someone was thinking about me and found the strength to call me.  I know these difficult conversations take time and courage which I truly appreciate.

It wasn't easy to hear.  But today was the day and I needed to hear it.  Today is today.  Someone showed me kindness in truth and truth in kindness.  I'm not walking away.  I'm embracing, I'm in solution and I'll deal with it.

And tomorrow is another day.  #valutesinaction

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” 
― Mother Teresa

Sitting in our beautiful Rosh Hashanah services last week made me realize just how important it is to take notice of today, be aware of these precious moments, and while knowing these seconds, minutes, hours, days all turn into weeks, months and years, we need to embrace as much as we can right now, today.  

Today! I'm writing this at the end of the weekend, hoping to sleep well and preparing for my work day tomorrow.  It is hard not to think ahead, make plans, look forward to what's next or even worry about how it will all get done.  Meditation, deep breaths and making those plans will help me stay focused today so that I can grow tomorrow.  

Today! I want to accept.
Today! I want to understand.
Today! I want to embrace.
Today! I want to breathe.
Today! I want to show up.
Today! I want to love.
Today! I want to be compassionate.
Today! I want to comfort.
Today! I want to see the best in others.
Today! I want to see the best in myself.

Tomorrow is tomorrow and I will live it as uniquely as yesterday.
Yesterday is gone and I will let go so that today is all its own.

As I walk into shul to stand with my community for Yom Kippur, I know I am not alone.  And that is the essence of my daily gratitude.

Shana Tovah.

Values in Action - Day 2

I tried something new tonight.  I showed up at the evening service of the first day of Rosh Hashanah.  In the past, I only went to the services where I thought I should be.  Out of 5 services, I would go to two, maybe three.  Something pulled me this year.  I want to be there.  I want to meditate. I want to find a peaceful space that allows me to learn and grow.

As I walked out of services tonight, I looked up at the billboard and thought, "Wow, what a spiritual message for Rosh Hashanah."

As we talk about spiritual renewal, recalibrating, reconnecting and clearing our own spiritual path, I felt that we got lucky.  Often, the billboard outside shul is not appropriate for a spiritual community or an elementary or middle school. It is a conversation that many of us have and we often feel helpless.

Look at that - Self-Storage is stupid, never visit a storage unit again - Make Space.  Spiritually, we shouldn't hold onto things, we should let it go and say goodbye to the past, make room for all that is important to us.  

You walk out of the shul and this is what you see.  I cannot help but realize that the billboard is in the right place at the right time. 

Shana Tovah!

#ValuesInAction

My Elul - It's About The Work

Personalities will always color my experience with people.  In my Elul reflections, whether I was home or at work, the dynamics of our personalities, our voices, our chemistry impacts one another and could drive us to cooperate or block. If I get lost in the emotions, I get nothing done.  Being confused by the judging of behaviors, comments and overthinking of others' decisions leads me to resentment and frustration.

Elul has given me the opportunity to see the bigger picture.  Often I end posts with #lovemyjob because I am moved by what I witness - the programs, the beneficiaries, my dedicated colleagues and the compassion and generosity of donors.  Meditation has taught me to focus.  The practice allows me to put aside the negative forces that block me.  Thoughtfulness, patience, and compassion are tools, muscles that need exercise, and values that guide me every day.

Every day is a gift.  It has been said before - some days will be harder than others, some days will truly exceed my expectations.  My choice is to make the best decisions for me, my family, my team and for my communities.

Day #1 of the New Year.  Looking forward to a year of values in action.  Joy will come as the focus continues to be on the work - at home and at the office.

Shana Tovah!

My Elul - My Greatness and My Flaws

So much of what I read and see teaches methods to find more balance in my life.  Stay calm, breathe, meditate, we are dark and light, we are a mixed bag and it takes time and effort to pay attention to stay calm, breathe and meditate.  I'm exhausted just from that sentence. 

My promise to myself for this coming year is to find the balance of my greatness and my flaws.  My critical voice often concentrates too much on my flaws.  I know that, we all know that.  This year, I'm going to strengthen the voice that empowers and shares my love of all that is good and great.  I want to lear to make that the stronger voice both internally and externally.  

In our lives, we have people who also see our flaws, our challenges and our fears, and there are those in our lives who can help us see the best in us, our accomplishments and our talents.  Those people are the ones that I want to surround myself with so that we walk this path together - a path of results, a path of success and a path partnership.

#MyElul - I'm a mix of greatness and flaws and all is possible.  Loving what I do, sharing the commitment to raise a family, engage a community and find deeper meaning in everything I do are my promises to myself.  These are probably my best New Year resolutions ever. 

My Elul - Participate and Witness

Today is no ordinary Monday - so much was accomplished.  From getting my kids to school, to meeting after meeting, to a doctor's appointment, and then to another meeting.  Every moment of this day made an impact on me.  Through #myelul lens, I was able to see the spark, the connection, the human spirit, the partnership and the dedication of so many people who want to simply do their job well. 

As a participant, my colleagues and I made decisions, found the creative answer, respected each other and had a few laughs.  Oh, and two of us disagreed but we agreed to disagree, so it ended well.  The work that we did today will impact other tomorrow, the next day, next week or maybe a month from now.  Whenever it hits, I am confident that the impact will be felt. 

As a witness, I saw passion in actions, sparkle in eyes, and confidence in voices. It all was so moving to me. I saw people who want to be better, do better, and strive to encourage others to share think bigger. 

#MyElul reflections today made me realize how beautiful it is to be surrounded by those who are likeminded, compassionate, smart, creative, forward-thinking and know how to get things done.  And that is what happened today - we got a lot done and I'm going to sleep feeling very accomplished. 

My Elul - Community

I am part of many communities.  Lucky, grateful, and working hard to create moments and experiences that allow me to learn, grow, make a difference and take time to understand what else I need to accomplish or what is expected of me.  During this month of Elul, I have heard the word community and even more, I have really felt it.  

This is the image that I see every day when I walk into my office.  It truly represents who I am and who I want to be.  I'm surrounded by love, prayer, intelligence, determination and commitment.  My colleagues are smart, funny, interesting, caring and dedicated community leaders.  They inspire me with their creativity, kindness and willingness to take on the challenge of raising money for the important work of The Jewish Federation.  #lovemyjob

My spiritual community is just as rich.  Last night, our Shabbat service was held on the roof.  As we prayed together, sang and learned together, I felt alive.  Not the jumping up and down or waving your hands show of aliveness, instead I felt present, I'm where I'm supposed to be, blood running through my veins, heart pumping.  I looked into the eyes of my fellow congregants and saw their joy, pain, peace or struggle. And we were together, a community, diverse and similar, sharing this moment and supporting each other.   

And again this morning, our #MeditationPlus circle is a precious community of meditation, prayer, learning, and challenging prompts for spiritual growth.  This community has transformed me.  It has given me guidance, new perspective and confidence.  I learn more than just the practice of meditation or the Rabbis thoughts on Torah text, I learn about myself, to listen, to interpret, and be amongst people who share their ideas and experiences. It is a safe space and never gets tired or old. 

I'm part of something, a family, friendship, a congregation, an organization, and all these pieces enrich my life.  And for that I am grateful.  Looking forward to new opportunities, new partnerships and new experiences in the coming year.