Cheshvan - How To Go Easy
“Go easy.” This is how I end almost every integration session I have when people call asking for support in making meaning out of their psychedelic experiences. Since the first moments of hearing about the brutal murders, kidnappings, and violence against Israelis during Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, I’ve had to say this to myself, as well…go easy. The painful paradox of dancing and singing with and for divine wisdom, to excite my children about dancing in the eternal circle, to commit them to the unfolding destiny of the Jewish people, a life elation and elegy, has almost been too much to hold all at once. And still, as I have learned with my experiences in expanded consciousness, I have tools to regulate my nervous system, to avoid mind games, and focus on feeling before trying to figure anything out. In honor of the month of Cheshvan, the month of integrating our holy work of Tishrei and in honor of days, weeks, and months ahead, I offer our community a few practices to keep going, and go easy.
Everything that has already occured has reopened a wound for so many in this global Jewish family, sending us into transgenerational patterns of dysregulation, fear, and anticipatory anxiety for what has yet to unfold. Even with all of this fretful activity, worsened by social media, I want to encourage us all to embrace the empty space of Cheshvan (save our Ethiopian siblings who are gearing up for the holy day of Sigd) to slow down and focus on self-care.
Being gentle and kind with yourself is a gesture of self-love and self-compassion, a gift to yourself, the Jewish people, and a broken world.
Remembering your breath, your lifeline. It is perfect as it is, and can be a powerful ally to help bring ease to a dysregulated nervous system and busy mind. Breath slowly and deeply. You can do this through your nostrils, or experiment with breathing through the mouth.
Resting deeply. Exploring what this means for you without a device in front of you.
Hydrating well. Not only does this prevent headaches and help digestion, it can connect us to the source of all life itself.
Eating vital, whole foods, and prepare them with others whenever you can. The meal made with intention becomes a sacred event.
Making time to check in with what you are feeling, where you are feeling it, and how it feels. There’s no need to quiet your mind, only to focus on your lived and embodied experience without getting into the ebb and flow of the stories about what you’re experiencing directly.
Bringing more energy to your intentions and prayers, in your own special way.
Sustaining movement that nourishes your body. It can be an embodied practice, a walk you love, or taking some time to stretch.
Listening to or playing music which brings you deeper into your lived experience. Songs of mourning, celebration, or hope are all welcome.
Connecting with your ancestors and every Jewish person throughout the centuries by studying a sacred text.
Spending time with pets or animals which provide non-judgemental comfort, all the more so loved ones who are able to be gentle and kind with you, as well.
Finding time to be with nature, get close to the Earth, with a garden or house plants.
If it’s available, taking warm baths with rose buds, dried tobacco, or essential oils to revitalize the senses.
While it may feel important to stay informed, becoming aware of how consuming media can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and despair.
Asking for help and support from those you know can provide it.
Staying connected to the lessons, intuitions, and any resolutions made during your journeys. Maintain the dialogue with your encounters with expanded consciousness.
As always, we are here for you as a resource and support, in the ascent and the descent, together.
With loving care and ease,
Z
