Eikev
What can be the lighter steps of connection?
Reflection by Shira Abramowitz, Or HaLev Teacher:
“In this week’s parsha we are again reminded of the past, and asked to ensure we remember and keep the commandments. In return, we are promised the beauty of close connection with the divine. We are promised prosperity and growth, protection and love.
What does it mean to keep this covenant with Hashem, and what does this week’s parsha have to teach us about how we might support this connection in our practice?
The word Eikev in the first line of the parsha can be translated as`if` or `because.` Rashi suggests that the word Eikev is alternatively defined as `heel,` and refers to the idea that if we heed even the lighter commandments, (the ones where a person would tread lightly with their heels) then we will be worthy of continued covenant with the divine.
Oftentimes, we think we need to pay attention to only the deepest and most significant tasks. Perhaps we see going on a long meditation retreat, or taking on a big leap of spiritual practice as pathways to transformation, connection, and liberation. These big steps can be powerful, and remarkably transformative.
However, change also comes from the small things - the daily, small habits that we form over time. What does it mean to heed even the smaller, lighter commandments as guideposts for our practice?
Perhaps we can take away two simple practices to play with this week, with Eikev in mind.
(1) What is one small practice of awareness we can do today? What is one light step we can take in alignment with our spiritual practice and connection with the divine? Can we take a minute, just right now, to tune in and connect?
(2) Another beautiful way to play with practice this week is through mindful walking. See if you can take a few steps very slowly, feeling each sensation as you lift, move, and place each foot on the ground. How does it feel to tread lightly, to feel the small moments and bring some awareness to each one?
Each day, each moment, we have the chance to reconnect. And if we let them, these small, continuous steps of returning to practice can foster a truly beautiful sense of connection with the divine.”