POSITIVE INFLUENCES

POSITIVE INFLUENCES
Sometimes the most seemingly mundane things can teach us great lessons. For example, the other day I was having lunch at home, nothing special or out of the ordinary. Suddenly, I realized the salty crackers I was eating had a slightly minty taste. At first I thought I was imagining it, but then I recalled that the crackers were on the same shelf as the tea. It’s kind of astounding when you think about it. The crackers were in plastic, and the tea was in its own box – neither of them touching! How is it possible that with two barriers and space between them, some peppermint tea bags could influence the flavor of a wafer? The truth is the same can be said of human beings. We cannot help but be affected by that which we choose to surround ourselves with. This is a key spiritual principle we learn in the study of Kabbalah: that we are only as strong as our environment. Even the healthiest seed can’t reach its full potential and grow into a mighty oak without a nurturing environment. This is why a lot of my work is dedicated not just to being a teacher of Kabbalah, but to helping my mother Karen Berg’s vision of creating Kabbalah Centres around the world. In these Centres, students can learn the wisdom of Kabbalah in a multi-faith, spiritual and powerfully supportive community. Teachers and students alike guide each other to learn how to integrate the wisdom into everyday life. It is so important to have people there for you when you need them, to not feel alone, to be with people who understand your goals, your desires, and will give it to you straight what is beautiful about you and what you need to change. Beyond that, on a metaphysical level, there is something wondrous that happens when you surround yourself with positive influences – something magical that the eye cannot see. We could stare at the cracker and the tea for several hours but have no idea of the energy exchange that is taking place. But when you break it down, scientifically and spiritually, that’s exactly what is happening! As we travel along the road of life, those we choose to bring along for the ride influence our destinations. Choose your friends wisely. Envelop yourself with the kind of people you strive to become, and it will be nearly impossible for you to not bring out the absolute best in yourself.