Dear Rabbi…

I’m finding myself so busy, with work emails, to-do lists, meetings, and family time—I’m not making any time for any sort of meditation or re ection for myself. Is there any way to infuse a little spirituality so I can start my day on the right foot, without taking a ton of time?                

– Busy Mind(ful)                       

Dear Busy Mind(ful),                       

Every morning like you, I ght the impulse to immediately prune my emails or review my mental to-do list. It’s not how I want to start the day. I’m in such a better mood when I take the time to acknowledge how lucky I am to be able to wake up and face the day. A spiritual life-hack I learned to help me get into that mind space of gratitude is saying – “modah ani” (“modeh ani” if you’re a man). Traditionally, Jews recite this prayer before even getting out of bed. And as a one-liner, it helps me start the day with intention              

What’s so beautiful about the prayer is that it doesn’t speak about our faith in God – just how great is God’s trust/faith in us. Try saying it each morning for a week before you get out of bed and see what happens.

Trust me, it’s worth the 30 seconds.  

                                                                  – Rabbi Sarah Bassin