By Sarah Armstrong
Vancouver, British Columbia

My first contact with Mussar occurred when I was driving on the highway, listening to a radio interview with Alan Morinis who was talking about his book Climbing Jacob’s Ladder.

Hearing that Mussar is a path of spiritual and personal development within the Jewish tradition struck a chord in my Jewish soul. Like many of my contemporaries, I had rejected organized religion and sought growth in diverse teachings, models and practices.Reading Climbing Jacob’s Ladder felt like coming home. Four years ago I took the Mussar 1 course and I am now in the Chaburah program. 

The impact of Mussar on my life continues to surprise and delight me.

In my work as a transpersonal therapist (M.A. Transpersonal Counseling) I was committed to integrating the psychological, spiritual and behavioral domains. Mussar, at a deeper level, complimented my values and approach. The focus on balance and wholeness nourishes both mind and spirit.  My increased ability to use the practical tools of Mussar has been a real gift.

Now when I notice myself feeling lazy I can choose the middah of enthusiasm (zerizut) as the antidote. Like it or not, every experience is a chance to see my soul curriculum in action.  Even though I often find the work challenging, and I don’t always do my meditation/journal, I like the structure of the course, the written material (thanks, Alan), and working with my chevruta and va’ad partners. How wonderful to share frustrations and insights and to learn from others’ experiences. Focusing on a particular middah sharpens my awareness, encourages honesty and prompts me to go beyond my comfort zone. Learning to quiet my noisy yetzer hara with compassion, rather than judgment, helps keep me grounded and connected. My daily affirmation confirms that “HaShem is with me”

Another gift has been to discover the profound wisdom and knowledge inherent in the ancient as well as modern texts. Our rabbis and sages were psychologically astute and brilliant in their understanding of the human condition.
 
Learning about humility, for example, has taught me to listen to others without having to jump in with my comments or unsolicited advice. Humility reminds me to use one seat (not three) when on the ferry to our island home. Mussar has encouraged me to develop my gratitude, patience and kindness, which in turn has affected my relationships most positively. When I see the world through a Mussar lense I am more conscious of my own and others’ thoughts, feelings and behaviour.  Mussar confirms what we all know to be true, “action speaks louder than words”. 

Since I have received so much from Mussar, I am delighted to have the opportunity to express my gratitude by assisting Shirah Bell with the new Everyday Holiness Course.

Mussar continues to challenge and to inspire me and I hope it does the same for you.

Home | About Us | Mussar Wisdom | Courses & Learning | Books & Audio
Schedule | Resources | Contact Us | Mailing List | Donate

site designed by nrichmedia | site map | disclaimer and copyright