So many of us are not getting enough sleep, not doing enough exercise and/or not eating properly. The justification we give is: I can't. There is so much I need to do. I do not have time to take care of myself; my business, family, community, non-profit need me.
All these excuses (let’s face it, that’s what they truly are) are correct. We are needed for 26 hours a day. Yet, there are only 24 hours in the day! However, if we are not taking care of ourselves, it will be no wonder that we are not a good boss, manager, parent, community leader, non-profit CEO etc. If you want to have a positive effect on other people, you do not need to be perfect, yet you do need to exist and be in a healthy state of mind. When I am suffering from one of the H.A.L.T. (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) conditions, I cannot give a good class, good advice or be patient etc. Conversely, when I take care of myself, when I am addressing my health, spiritually and physically, then I am operating at peak performance and can help purify the world, making it a better place. As Joe Apfelbaum, who was my business coach for a period of time, told me: "If you are dead there is no Rabbi to be a good Rabbi".
This is expressed in this week’s Torah portion when it talks about the ashes of the Red Heifer which purify others. It says to keep some ashes for safekeeping. Some of the "purifying dust" needs to be kept for yourself; ensure you are in a healthy place if you want to help others to be healthier.
Eight months ago, I started an almost daily study of Chassidus, Chassidic thought. One of the many benefits I’ve gained from this is that my spiritual health has improved, enabling me to share that spirituality with others.
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Have a spiritual Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman