From now until Yom Kippur, we are working on t’shuvah, a Hebrew word that literally means “return.” (Sometimes translated as “atonement” or “repentance,” neither of which captures the real meaning.) (Sometimes it’s transliterated as “teshuvah.”) We make an effort to return to our soul, which is our Divine essence. It’s the quintessential self that we really are.
There is a part of us that is always healthy and good and pure — nothing can harm it. Not any damage that may have been done to us in life, not even damage we did to ourselves. We can always return to our true soul. It is pure, has always been pure, is always intact, no matter what happens.
Personally, I find this one of the most hopeful, optimistic inspirations of the 60-Day spiritual journey. I love being reminded that regardless of negative events in my life, this pure, unharmed part of me is always there. I feel more secure when I remember that my Divine essence cannot be hurt. What wonderful news!
Recognizing one’s true essence is not always obvious. This is why doing t’shuvah requires effort.
Do you know your true, essential self?
Learn Hebrew with Natasha Shabat 