Mussar Practice Transcends Adversity

MUSSAR PRACTICE TRANSCENDS ADVERSITY I am a shower of blessings

by Nina Gelman-Gans

Mussar is a century-old Jewish practice of selftransformation that combines Jewish ethics, text study, and neurobiology with tikkun olam, healing our world

Our concepts of normal changed with the unfolding of COVID-19. Flattening the curve was challenging and scary, while also offering unprecedented learning opportunities. Utilizing Zoom classroom, I was finally able to learn meditation, establish a Qigong practice, and fulfill my aspiration to share Mussar studies.

Inhale the elusive fragrant oils of life

Mussar is a century-old Jewish practice of selftransformation that combines Jewish ethics, text study, and neurobiology with tikkun olam, healing our world. Like yoga, it is a practice that flourishes with time and engagement. Weekly studies focus on specific character traits like patience, anger, gratitude, and watchfulness.

Mussar encourages us to examine our innate responses and take practical baby steps that slowly transform our own reactivity so we can bring forward our best possible self. Generalized life “case studies” foster our yetzer ha-tov, good inclination, to do better each week.

In a similar way that our neurons fire without asking, character traits show up involuntarily without our consent. We can’t control what crosses our path, but using Mussar, we can redirect our mind to find joy and celebrate what is in front of us.

Mussar encourages me not to judge, to go a bit outside my comfort zone, and to consider other perspectives. When faced with conundrum or challenge, my inner voice often calls out, “What would Mussar say?” The following life stories show how Mussar can help the world shift, just a bit, with hopes that thoughtful, intentional actions add up to global good.

It was early March, the beginning of the COVID-19 panic and stampede for toilet paper, sanitizer, protein powder, nuts, and possibly a few extra chocolate bars. Waiting in a slow CVS check-out line, a shopper placed two large disinfectant wipe containers on the counter, along with $20 and a pile of change. Abruptly, she ran out to her car while the checker waited and looked annoyed. I was impatient, and relieved when another check-out window opened. The shopper dashed back with a few more coins. It wasn’t enough. “That’s all I have,” she whimpered looking at the cashier, who looked back at her with a quizzical “what am I supposed to do?” Awkward seconds stood still in time. An internal voice uttered, Savlanut! In Hebrew, savlanut translates as patience and also contains the word sevel, suffering. Like a porter bearing luggage, I paused to bear the burden of this momentary annoyance.

My heart opened to compassion. Imagining the shopper’s desperation to finally locate wipes, and then not have enough cash on hand, I asked, “What do you need?” She gave me a blank look, perhaps quelled by embarrassment.

I reached into my wallet and held out a dollar. She looked bewildered. I handed it to her encouragingly and she took it. I sensed relief from the cashiers and other shoppers. Hearing a quiet, “thank you” I softly answered, “Sure, pay it forward.”

On another occasion, I ventured out of quarantine to the post office. Seeing two homeless souls chatting and noticing the sparsity of people about, I walked into Via Maestro Deli and paid for two NY-style pre-made sandwiches. Back outside, I invited those sun-drenched souls to go choose a sandwich of their choice. They were surprised and so delighted. As I drove away, their broad smiles broadcasted joy and I gave myself a checkmark for supporting the local economy.

Would I have done these things anyway? Perhaps. Did I embrace humanity more quickly because Mussar was on my mind? Absolutely.

Wait, and become aware

Mussar Muses is a thoughtful, diverse, interfaith, and multi time-zone happening. I have been deeply touched as we inevitably affirm that today is a new day to celebrate our blessings. With magical excitement, we embrace generosity of spirit and determine to expand our compassion. Thoughts are a beginning and actions count as we each do our part to improve our corner of the world. Mussar is a gift that puts our best foot forward.

Each week we construct a short personal affirmation that becomes a stretch goal for the week. You’re welcome to adapt one of these inspirations:

“I am a shower of blessings,” or “Wait, and become aware,” or, “Inhale the elusive fragrant oils of life.”

If I’ve succeeded in piquing your curiosity, you’re invited to join Mussar Muses for a process of self-discovery and self-transformation.

Nina Gelman-Gans, a nationally known Jewish educator, has lived in Santa Barbara for the past 23 years. She learns daily from her husband, two teens, dog, bunny, extended family, Mussar Muses, and more.

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