Omer Week 2 - The Week of Gevurah

From the expanse of Chesed
We enter the week of Gevurah
Which illuminates boundaries, limitations,
Distinction.

Gevurah turns us toward mystery
And reminds us there is so much we will never know.

Bow in humility, Gevurah calls,
And remember that humans
Are not the center of this mysterious universe.
And although our actions have impact
We are not ultimately in control.

Gevurah teaches that with humility comes strength.

The strength to listen
And wait for discernment to rise.
The strength to make distinctions and create boundaries
So the sacred will flourish and grow.

The strength to be faithful to spiritual practice.

Gevurah urges us to take the stance of a spiritual warrior:
To call on the Infinite Mystery,
And open to its presence and power.

A prayer as we enter the week of Gevurah:

Please, help us abide in the face of uncertainty.
Infuse us with devotion, discipline and courage.
Lift us up again and again.
Let us join with the Infinite Mystery
And be forces for healing, justice, compassion and peace.

Meditation for Week of Gevurah

Receiving Strength from the Infinite Mystery

shiviti havayah l’negdi tamid
I place the Infinite Presence before me always.   
Psalm 16:8

Taking our seats, we rest the attention on the breath and after a few minutes begin to recite the verse:

shiviti havayah l’negdi tamid   

I place the Infinite Presence before me always

Gently, we repeat the verse over and over, letting it travel with the breath.
Engaging the imagination, we place the verse before our eyes and upon our hearts and notice the sensations in the body as we repeat the verse over and over again.
When we notice the attention has wandered, we return to the breath and the movement and vibration of the verse moving through the body.
We close the sit by giving thanks for the mysteries of life.

Questions for Reflection

What happens in my mind and body when I face uncertainty?
What boundaries/limits can I set that will support spiritual practice, discernment, stability?
What gives me strength?
What inspires the experience of awe?