Riding The Roller Coaster

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov taught…

Growing spiritually can be like a roller coaster ride. Take comfort in the knowledge that the way down is only preparation for the way up.
(The Empty Chair, p. 43*)

 

What does this mean to me?

“The way down is only preparation for the way up” is a translation of the phrase, “yeridah l’tzorech aliyah,” and in the original Hebrew it also implies that without the “down” you cannot really get to the “up.” It’s natural that I want to be on a perpetual “up,” and to be able to navigate through life on a steady upward path. But, somehow, it never works out that way. Instead of thinking that there’s something wrong with me, I can take comfort from realizing that those periodic downs are designed as part of the plan. What kind of person would I be if I never experienced failure? Could I develop my G-dly nature without having to accept my vulnerabilities and flaws?

 

A prayer:

Dear G-d,
let my heart grasp
the profound wisdom
with which You created me.
Help me understand
that my vulnerabilities
in fact open me to growth;
my limits
draw me to new frontiers;
my very failures
teach me to succeed.

(The Gentle Weapon, p. 73)

 

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On the subject of Jewish Joy…
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To view the past emails, click here.*“The Empty Chair: Finding Hope and Joy – Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov” by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Adapted by Moshe Mykoff and The Breslov Research Institute, 1994. Permission granted by Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT, www.jewishlights.com.*“The Gentle Weapon: Prayers for Everyday and Not-So-Everyday Moments – Timeless Wisdom from the Teachings of the Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov” by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Adapted by Moshe Mykoff & S.C. Mizrahi with the Breslov Research Institute, 1999. Permission granted by Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT, www.jewishlights.com.

NarrowBridge sends out twice weekly inspirational emails. These emails include small doses of Rebbe Nachman’s wisdom, enabling us to get through the week in a more spiritual way. If you are not signed up and would like to receive these emails,click here.

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NarrowBridge sends out twice weekly inspirational emails. These emails include small doses of Rebbe Nachman’s wisdom, enabling us to get through the week in a more spiritual way. If you are not signed up and would like to receive these emails, click here.
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*“The Gentle Weapon: Prayers for Everyday and Not-So-Everyday Moments – Timeless Wisdom from the Teachings of the Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov” by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Adapted by Moshe Mykoff & S.C. Mizrahi with the Breslov Research Institute, 1999. Permission granted by Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT, www.jewishlights.com.

To view the past emails, click here.

NarrowBridge.Org sends out twice weekly inspirational emails. These emails include small doses of Rebbe Nachman’s wisdom, enabling us to get through the week in a more spiritual way. If you are not signed up and would like to receive these emails, click here.