Accounting of the Soul: Questions for Reflection

This is a repost (slightly updated.) It seems especially timely now. September 27, 2020 (Sunday)  is the beginning of Yom Kippur. A few years ago I heard a podcast featuring Rabbi Sharon Brous.  Her description of this Jewish High Holiday was captivating at the time and I’ve returned to listen to that episode several times over the years. Let’s be clear, my understanding of this holiday and celebration is equivalent to one grain of sand on a long stretch of beach. But, it’s worth some exploration especially for people curious about the power of questions from individual growth to healing our world. According to Rabbi Brous there is a progression of “accounting” that is moved through during the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which is known as The Days of Awe.  The Days of Awe represent the beginning of a new year in the Jewish Calendar.  The year 5781 begins with these High Holy days.  So just as late December and early January is a time of reflection and “new years resolutions” in our western culture, the Days of Awe are preparation for the beginning of a new year.  The progression of accounting moves from individual to the world. In the podcast interview she puts it this way: (slightly edited for clarity)  “It’s really journey from Heshbon HaNefesh, which is an accounting of the soul of the individual to Heshbon Nefesh HaMishpaha, an accounting of the soul of our families. Heshbon Nefesh HaAm an accounting of the soul of the Jewish people. And ultimately, Heshbon Nefesh HaOlam, an accounting of the soul of the whole world. And, you know, our rabbis acknowledge that the way to transformation of the world starts with the self, it’s through the [individual action]. And so we have to…be truly attentive and sincerely attentive to really accounting for what’s happening in our own personal lives first. . . first and foremost. And so we do that. We. . . scrutinize what’s going on in our own lives. And, by the way, sometimes it’s hard to get there . . .[people] don’t want to look at their own lives. . .” FROM:  On Being with Krista Tippett interviewed Rabbi Sharon Brous on the Days of Awe (September 2010) (click to listen and read more) I found a list of questions several years ago after listening to Rabbi Brous talk.  Sadly, I can’t figure out where I found the list of questions however, the questions are worth sharing nonetheless.  This is a list of questions that can be used for the accounting of the individual soul part of the progression from individual to the world during the Days of Awe.  Accounting of the Soul: Who am I? Where am I in life? In what ways have I let my insecurities, my self-doubt stifle me? In what ways have I hardened my heart to people around me?  What relationships am I in that diminish my dignity? Have I let myself love? Have I let others love me? What pain have I caused? What potential do I have? Has my past year been marked more by longing or gratitude? Has my past year been marked more by brokenness or wholeness? Has my past year been marked more by distrust or faith? Over the past year, I’ve been learning about the power of liturgy and ritual in personal and community life.  The Days of Awe seem, from my outsider vantage point, as yet another example of how liturgy and ritual form us, challenge us, and refresh us. I plan to take some time in the next few days to think about my own accounting of the soul. Was there a question that jumped out to you in the list above?   Are there any additional questions that you would add to the list above? What do you think about the progression that she talks about from individual soul accounting to an accounting of the soul of the world?   If you like these questions, please consider SUBSCRIBING to The Art of Powering Down; Questions to Recharge Your Soul… Every week there is a question that will gently challenge you, encourage you, or help you live your life with more intention, grace, and purpose. (Sharing these reflections and questions with friends is the greatest compliment!)

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