Elul Prompts Start Tomorrow

Dear Elul Writers,

I am sneaking into your inbox one day early, on this 30th day of the month of Av to offer a reminder of why we are here. 

What is it exactly that we hope to gain by spending a month together in a state of introspection and self-assessment? Who do we hope to be when we come out the other side?

If we aspire to be some fuller, more integrated and self-actualized version of ourselves, can that actually happen in 29 days?! There is some part of me that says, “Yeah right, change takes time.” But, in truth, there is also a part of me that thinks, “why should it take a whole month?” When someone decides to make a change, can’t it happen in a second? A life-long smoker decides to not touch another cigarette. Perhaps the shift has been brewing for some time, but the actual decision is instantaneous. We’ve likely all seen it happen.

I believe we are here for both reasons; to recognize the slow, gradual changes that help us transform into the people we aim to be, and to assert our belief in our ability to turn on a dime. We can step back from behaviors that aren’t serving us and slowly step towards the things we have quietly longed for and have been too afraid to verbalize. 

Prompt

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov relates the process of teshuvah, our task of turning and returning during this holiday season, to prepping ourselves for existence. In the state that we currently find ourselves, the great mystic teaches, it is as if we don’t fully exist. The work that we will do in the month to come will help to reorient and ready ourselves so that we might say, “Ehyeh, I am prepared to be.”

I don’t know what will happen over the next cycle through the moon, but if I can somehow emerge saying, “I am prepared to be,” I will count that as a major win.

In the spirit of preparation, what are you including on your packing list for the month of Elul?

Will you need to bring patience? You shouldn’t forget to carry-on some self-regard and self-love. How many regrets will you try to fit in your rollerboard? You’ll be gone for 29 days, so you’ll probably need to bring at least a little bit of radical acceptance.

I am looking forward to accompanying you on the trip.

Chodesh tov, 

Jordan

p.s. Elul doesn’t officially start until Thursday night, so if there is anyone who you think might like to join us, forward along this email or share this link.