The ladder of growth…writes Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
In preparation for BINA’s 20 years celebration, I have been reading a book called “Practical Kabbalah,” authored by our upcoming guest speaker Rabbi Laibl Wolf from Melbourne. I share with you a short idea from the beginning of the book where he discusses the importance of personal growth.
Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
Growth and change requires some critical components and important steps. He suggests that there are four stages in this journey of personal development. The following are not exactly his words as I am paraphrasing and elaborating, but here are the four ideas:
1) Belief – the conviction and belief that we can change. A foundation to any form of personal growth is the need to acknowledge the very deep rooted pure spark at the depth of our soul, that enables and inspires us to think differently, feel differently and behave differently.
2) Will – once we believe we can change we need to develop the resolve and the determination to change. In Kabbalistic teachings, we learn that hidden in the recesses of our subconscious minds is the concept of ratzon – will. This powerful tool can break all limitations and all barriers that might stand in the way.
3) Work – change does not come easy. While it is possible it requires effort and ongoing effort. Each day we need to invest the required effort and hard work for change to be successful
4) Joy – to motivate and stimulate further change we must celebrate and experience the joy of our success. We should understand and appreciate the greatness of going beyond our comfort zone, and the depth of each small step of personal growth. When we celebrate our success thus far, we are motivated to keep going.
Growing and improving are possible but we must apply the right formula.
