Twice is the charmer.
I received two messages in different forms leading me to think that rather than my typical theoretical posts, perhaps I should also include a practical side. The latest call was from WAOD. I am going to comply.
Now truly IS a time for change, and why not change for the better?
Contrary to what racists, haters, and others would like you to think, the big enemy out there nowadays, the evil side of Esau(ESE). And the main mask he's wearing these days is Greed, but not necessarily the way most people understand it.
How to fight this?
(1) knowing the enemy
(2) knowing its tactics
(3) Conquering our fears
(4) Having our own strategies
KNOWING THE ENEMY
I don't really care what anyone wants to call the enemy, white -supremacy, racism, hate, genocide. I personally like to call it Esav/Esau.
KNOWING ITS TACTICS
Basically Esav likes to kill. In practical terms there are three ways of killing:
a) Actually kill a guy (or girl)
b) Shame folks through humiliation and degradation
c) Take away folks' income
Please note: Esav doesn't mean white people. It's just more a spiritual name. I prefer to use it because the "enemy" is not always going to have white hands. Nor is he/ she going to be black. More than likely, you can spot him by his actions and words. And the spirit around him.
One thing about ESE is that they are extremely sharp. They can smell fear, know a group's weakness and use it to their advantage. Thus, there is a practical method used against BM, one for BW, and one for children. There are other techniques for other groups as well (poor white, hispanic, different class tiers, etc).
CONQUERING OUR FEARS FIRST
Now before we can even engage in this war of good vs bad, it is necessary to do a quick battle with the foot soldiers of "bad". Who are they? Fear, Anxiety, Lethargy.
How to conquer this? I look to the Bible for my inspirations. When Moses was prepared to take the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt, God said -and I'm putting it in my own words-- N'uh unh! Y'all ain't goin' no where with that slave mentality. I ain't havin' it! Show me! Show me you are ready to be free. To be even on top of yo' masters if need be! Prove this to me by eating their very god."
Well, He didn't say all that, but eating the lamb WAS part of the requirement prior to physically leaving Egypt.
The Egyptians worshipped the Ram. This was their main god. Imagine their horror to see slaves eating lamb! That's some holy boldness in my book.
So, too, we must find what it is we are afraid of. What is the big god of the greedy, of Esav, of white supremacy, of racists? Let's have it for breakfast!
What I think it is, is self actualization of the humble. Imagine, to open up a business to make enough money to sustain and live comfortably --but no more. Using the rest of the time to self actualize. Search yourself. Don't be afraid to be alone with yourself or with your diary and search what is it that you really want out of life. Is life all about chasing after money? Do you really think there will be a limit on a craving? Cravings are illusions, a pot just as in the parable below. But there is something, something very special that is YOU; your mission, your inner love, your goal in life. As long as you allow the many propaganda machines to lead your imagination away from thinking how you want to think, you are not on the path to self actualization.
Another one is: The humble gaining confidence. Finding the confidence to be so at ease with your life choices for yourself and your household is essential to keep the momentum. Once confidence is lacking, then the eyes start a-rollin. What will the neighbors think? Am I up to par with so-and-so? Never mind that this "so-and-so" was born with his own life circumstances, love, and goals. The bolder, but insecure ones will attempt to vilify a group and send scorn their way --or worse, join Amalek. Or they may try to insist on groupthink in order to establish a hierarchy so they can be on top. The hard thing about following one's own path is that there are no rank gauges. But that is also the beauty of it! That is to be content.
Pirke Avot 4:1 (Chapters of the Fathers - a compilation of Jewish wisdom) defines four key terms: "Who is the wise man? The one who learns from everyone. Who is the strong person? The one who conquers his negative impulses. Who is the wealthy person? The one who is happy with his portion. Who is the honorable person? The one who honors others."
But beware of those who try to get you on the flip side. Once they see that you are attempting to self actualize, they will say "Yes! Let's self actualize!!" And they will promptly re-route you back to chasing after money, the bigger car, the bigger house, more More, MORE! Before you know it, you're back on the same route as before.
Why the "Humble"?
Many people interpret humble as a type of person who walks with his head down, his back bent, surrendering everything, and gaining nothing.
No.
A humble person is someone who is aware of his strength as well as his weaknesses. He knows who he is, and where he's going. He steadily goes for his goal on his path and respects others. To the naked eye or perhaps to the arrogant, this person is a bother. He is not making waves. But in his own life, he finds exhilaration is his striving for his own goal. Nobody pushes him, but each day he sets about attaining his goal. He wakes up like a lion and jumps out of bed. There are worlds to conquer!
So, what makes him humble? He realizes that his strengths are gifts from On High.
Such is a humble person.
HAVING A STRATEGY
Here it is up to the individual and one's goal. But I would suggest taking one's television, find the nearest window, make sure it's clear down below and let 'er rip! My husband actually has a friend who was so disgusted by the messages and images inundating him from the TV, he physically removed it from the outlet, took it outside and left it in the dumpster. At least be aware of the messages, pictures, that is coming through via TV, internet, radio, billboard, etc.
If I had to suggest a reading list:
I would say that The Garden of Emunah by Rabbi Shalom Arush is a great place to start, but I'll get back to that
Can anyone add to this list????
So, without further ado, can we roll up our sleeves and try to make a difference with ourselves? let's have some...breakfast shall we?
Note: This is not the SOLUTION. This is more a baseline that is needed for a fixed and permanent solution. The actual practical solutions will need further thought...
