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15th day
of the Omer:
Chesed of Tiferet - Lovingkindness within Compassion
Compassion merges and unites the free flow of loving kindness with discipline
of Gevuarah. Tiferet possesses this power by introducing a third dimension
-- the dimension of truth, which is neither nor discipline and therefore
can integrate the two.
Truth is accessed through selflessness: rising above your ego and your
predispositions, enabling you to realize a higher truth.Truth gives you
a clear and objective picture of your needs and others. Imbalance between
love and discipline is the result of subjective and limited vision. Prejudice
must be abolished to express emotions in healthier ways.
Self-test questions for the love aspect of Compassion:
Is my compassion tender and loving or does it come across as pity?
Is my identification with the other from a place of submission or ownership?
Is my mercy expressed enthusiastically or lifeless?
Daily challenge: When helping someone, extend yourself in the fullest
way. Offer a smile or a loving word.
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19th day
of the Omer:
Hod of Tiferet - Humility within Compassion
If compassion is not to be condescending and pretentious, it must include
humility. Hod is recognizing that my ability to be compassionate and giving
does not make me better than the recipient. It is the acknowledgment and
appreciation that by creating one who needs compassion, G-d gave me the
gift of being able to bestow compassion. Thus, there is no place for haughtiness
in compassion.
Do I feel superior because I am compassionate ? Do I look down at those
who need my compassion ? Am I humble and thankful to G-d for giving me
the ability to have compassion for others ?
Exercise for the day:
Express compassion in an anonymous fashion, without taking any personal
credit.
(from the book - "Spiritual Guide to the Counting of the Omer"
by Rabbi Simon Jacobson)
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