The journey to freedom is celebrated by many this weekend. Throughout the centuries, this journey has appeared in many forms and taken different twists and turns. Basically all such journeys celebrate release from the bondage of suffering by stepping out into the unknown, listening to the call upon us, and thus finally arriving at the Promised Land. The divine destination of our lives.

It is very important as well to discern where a call, or cry comes from and what it addresses within ourselves. Is it a call that stirs up anger or revenge, or a call that is there to awaken that which is highest and best within our hearts. As we learn over and over, our journey to the promised land cannot take place without forgiveness and love. That itself is the promised land.

To reach our destination, we first must be willing to listen, to hear, to understand and to respond to that which is addressing us. As we do so we step out in faith and often take steps we have never taken before. We also clearly see then that the bondage of suffering and slavery we have been in the grip of has come has come from our unwillingness to listen, hear and respond to that which is higher than our personal selves. 

During Passover, we eat Matzah. This bread is unleavened and can crumble and crack at a moment's notice. The yeast in the bread is absent. Yeast points to our arrogance, puffed up condition and pride. Our journey to freedom requires that we become simple and plain, like the matzah. Even easy to break. When our hard shells and defenses are broken, that is when we are open to allowing the divine to enter. That is also when we are open to others and to meeting the divine within them. When we are so puffed up with our own self-importance than the true cries and needs of others go unheard. 

All strength, all beauty and love comes from simplicity. Our false image, or ego, is the cause of much of our slavery and pain. As old images of ourselves dissolve, a true sense of purpose, meaning and fulfillment arise. What we thought of as obstacles are seen as not obstacles. We go beyond our present state of being, to look with new eyes. As we do so, we will see miracle after miracle taking place. And, of course, the biggest miracle of all, to be fully here, to listen, respond and deeply love.

Brenda Eshin Shoshanna
(212) 288-0028
brendashoshanna@gmail.com

Each week I take a new look at daily issues and problems. When looked at from the Zen point of view, these problems turn into koans. Not only do we then find unexpected solutions, but become able to thoroughly enjoy our lives. And our problems.
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Conference on Meditation and Buddhism
April 7, 10AM-5PM
Molloy College; 1000 Hemstead Ave. Rockville Center, Long Island

Brenda Shoshanna, Ph.D. is a psychologist, speaker, workshop leader and longtime Zen practitioner. She offers talks and workshops which introduce A Different Way to satisfy our hearts and make our lives full. In this Different Way we learn how to release anxiety and sadness, transform problems into adventures and become able to live fully, appreciating all aspects of our lives. Her current workshop series, Steppingstones to Happiness presents the practice of Releasing, based both on the Sedona Method and the practice and principles of Zen. A long time practitioner of releasing, Brenda was an original student of Lester Levenson. Contact her at topspeaker@yahoo.com, www.brendashoshanna.com