Eclectic Cleric

Be. Go. Do.

Inspired by Genesis 12:1, this meditation guides practitioners through three transformative stages of self-discovery and action. It begins with "Be", inviting reflection on who you are at your core—your divine essence and true identity. Then, it transitions to "Go", encouraging you to embrace courage and step out of your comfort zone, as Abraham did when called to leave his homeland. Finally, "Do" focuses on purposeful action, aligning your daily choices with your values and mission. Rooted in the spiritual call to journey inward and outward, this practice fosters clarity, courage, and meaningful engagement with the world. Through "Be, Go, Do," participants cultivate a deeper connection with themselves, others, and their unique role in creation.

Bedtime Ritual 53

As you prepare for bed, allow yourself a moment to truly unwind and settle in. This meditation is lovingly crafted to guide you into peaceful slumber, weaving in elements of the Jewish bedtime ritual. These timeless prayers, thoughtfully translated and interpreted, offer solace and comfort to anyone, regardless of background. This practice is more than a mere bedtime routine—it’s a sacred pause, a gentle bridge between the busyness of the day and the deep rest of night. Begin by finding a cozy, relaxed position. Take a few slow, deep breaths, letting the rhythm of your breathing anchor you in the present. As you listen to the soothing words of these prayers, let the stresses and noise of the day melt away. Picture each breath carrying you closer to a state of calm. With every exhale, release lingering thoughts or worries, allowing a blanket of tranquility to wrap around you. Feel yourself being cradled by centuries of tradition, a legacy of comfort and protection. Let go, surrendering to this sacred space of serenity. Drift gently into sleep, embraced by peace, and awaken renewed and refreshed.

Resilience, Grace, and Compassion - an Election Meditation

After an election, a moment for a healing meditation on resilience, grace, and compassion can be grounding and healing. Resilience is our steady anchor—reminding us that challenges, no matter how complex, can be met with strength. As we reflect, we invite grace: the ability to hold respect and kindness for all, even amid differences. This grace allows us to listen and understand perspectives that may be unfamiliar or challenging. Finally, compassion becomes our guide, encouraging us to move forward with empathy, to extend patience to ourselves and others, and to believe in the possibility of unity. In this meditation, we honor our interconnectedness and reaffirm a commitment to contribute positively, finding ways to heal and bridge divides with love, courage, and purpose.

Bedtime Ritual 52

As you settle in tonight, know you’re part of a community that has embraced peace and connection through these meditations. With each breath, let go of the day’s stress, feel your worries fade, and welcome the calm around you. This practice is your path to a restorative sleep, leaving you refreshed and ready for tomorrow. This isn’t just any meditation; it’s a unique mix of mindfulness and the comforting wisdom of Jewish bedtime traditions, reimagined for everyone, no matter your background or experience. We’re bringing these ancient practices of comfort and protection into a modern, accessible format, helping you ease into a tranquil, restful state.

Your Hidden Face (a meditation on Halloween)

Imagine standing before a mirror, noticing the layers you've worn like masks: the roles you play, the armor you don to meet expectations, and the ways you shape yourself for acceptance. These masks can protect and empower, but they can also hide parts of our true selves. In the spirit of Halloween, let’s reflect on the masks we choose and those that have become so familiar we forget they're there. 

Gently ask yourself, "What do I hide, and why?" Let this question float, bringing awareness to the parts of you yearning for freedom. Breathe deeply, embracing the vulnerable self beneath the masks—the one that is flawed, complex, and deeply real. What if you allowed even a glimpse of that self to be seen? Imagine peeling back a layer, even for a moment, and meeting the world with a more authentic face. This, too, is courage: showing up whole, mask and all.

Pride and Gratitude

Take a moment to reflect on the balance of pride and gratitude. Pride arises from the hard work, effort, and resilience we've poured into our accomplishments. It’s the sense of fulfillment we feel when we reach a goal or overcome a challenge, an acknowledgment of our dedication. Yet, gratitude reminds us of the grace and gifts we’ve received along the way—support from others, opportunities that appeared, and moments of insight beyond our control. Embrace pride in your journey and achievements, and let gratitude soften the edges, grounding you in the humbling awareness that we’re shaped by both our hands and gifts beyond them. Together, pride and gratitude create harmony, offering both purpose and perspective.

Bedtime Ritual 51

As you settle in tonight, know you’re part of a community that has embraced peace and connection through these meditations. With each breath, let go of the day’s stress, feel your worries fade, and welcome the calm around you. This practice is your path to a restorative sleep, leaving you refreshed and ready for tomorrow. This isn’t just any meditation; it’s a unique mix of mindfulness and the comforting wisdom of Jewish bedtime traditions, reimagined for everyone, no matter your background or experience. We’re bringing these ancient practices of comfort and protection into a modern, accessible format, helping you ease into a tranquil, restful state.

Joy for Time, Nature, and the Mind

This meditation for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah invites you to embrace the joy of time, nature, and the mind’s endless potential. As the Torah cycle comes to a close and begins anew, reflect on the beauty of this moment—a pause in time to appreciate the divine rhythms of life. Breathe deeply, feeling the earth beneath you and the changing seasons around you. Nature’s cycle mirrors our own, reminding us of renewal and continuity. Let your mind dance with gratitude for the wisdom received, and for the capacity to grow, learn, and celebrate. In this sacred space, you are in harmony with the universe—joyful in your connection to time, creation, and the unfolding journey of your soul. Let your heart overflow with the simcha (joy) of this moment.

Bedtime Ritual 50

Get ready to celebrate the 50th edition of guided bedtime meditation—a milestone in peaceful transitions and restful nights! This isn’t just any meditation; it's a special blend of mindfulness and the wisdom of Jewish bedtime rituals, reimagined and translated for everyone, no matter your background or experience. We’re taking ancient traditions of comfort and protection and bringing them to life in a modern, accessible way that welcomes you into a tranquil state of deep relaxation. So as you settle in tonight, know you’re joining a community that has found peace and connection through these 50 beautiful meditations. With every breath, let go of the stresses of the day, feel your worries dissolve, and embrace the serenity that surrounds you. This practice is your gateway to a peaceful, restorative sleep, empowering you to wake up refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on tomorrow. Here’s to 50 more nights of peaceful rest! Sleep well.

Lulav & Etrog Meditation

This meditation focuses on the balance between learning and action, drawing from the symbolic meaning of the Four Species used during Sukkot. Each plant represents different aspects of the spiritual journey. The etrog, symbolizing both Torah study and mitzvot, encourages us to integrate wisdom with righteous action. The lulav, representing knowledge without deeds, reminds us that learning alone is incomplete without application. The myrtle, fulfilling mitzvot without study, teaches that action can still be meaningful even if we lack deep understanding. Lastly, the willow, symbolizing neither study nor practice, invites us to reflect on potential and growth, encouraging us to elevate our lives through both learning and doing. In this meditation, we seek harmony between study and action, recognizing the necessity of both in our spiritual and personal development.