Spiritual Sparks: Readers Respond
One of the pleasures of writing Spiritual Sparks is hearing from you. Sometimes a reader adds a new dimension to something I've written. Sometimes a personal experience brings an idea to life in a way I never could have anticipated. And sometimes a response simply makes me smile.
Today, I'd like to share a few of those responses with you.
I'll be your host, but the spotlight belongs to the readers!
The Eyes Have It!
In a recent issue, “What Color Were the Patient's Eyes?”, I shared a story about my late father-in-law, a physician who would ask medical residents whether they remembered the eye color of the patient they'd just examined.
One reader in the medical profession proudly reported:
“I am proud to say that I always got the eye color question right. Hair color-- not so much!”
Another reader shared a more poetic reflection:
“Eyes tell us a lot about a person. I do notice eye color first and [am] always curious what lies beyond and behind the eyes. Some eye colors seem cold to me. Some eye colors exude warmth. Sometimes the eyes sparkle -- that's the best kind.”
And one reader took the subject of awareness in an entirely different direction, sharing a deeply personal experience:
“One of my qualities is that I see things and people I have lost in my dreams very often. Are they trying to send me a message? Or is it because I miss them so much I'm dreaming of them?”
It's a question that touches on love, memory, loss, and mystery. Perhaps some of you have wondered about it, too.
A Superpower We Can All Develop
The same newsletter prompted another reader to share a lovely practice:
“My friends tell me that my super power is the occasional note I send them. I try to keep it brief, compliment a specific detail & let them know how grateful I am to have them in my life.”
What a wonderful superpower to possess -- and one that's available to all of us!
Sometimes the smallest gestures leave the most lasting impressions.
The Joy Is in the Journey
A few months ago, I wrote about the importance of enjoying the journey rather than becoming so focused on the destination that we overlook everything along the way.
One reader shared a remarkable personal reflection. A former professional athlete who went on to considerable success in business, he described how difficult it had been to find satisfaction even in his greatest achievements.
With his permission, I'm sharing an edited version of his response:
“For so many years, my goal was to be number one in all the company's businesses.
My problem was I didn't enjoy being number one when I received the award, the trophy, the plaque, and the accolades. Many times, as I was walking up to the stage to receive my first-place award with my wife, I was very unhappy.
In my mind, I wasn't thinking about this award, I was thinking about how I could be number one once again next year.
I think it all started with playing sports. Back then, it isn't like it is today where all the athletes talk to each other. Back then, no one talked to the other team. They were our enemies, and we were going to win at all odds.
Then, when I was released from a professional team, I couldn't get that competitive spirit out of my mind. So, I had to be number one. I needed to be number one. I just had to be number one.
My wife tried to help me by telling me to enjoy the journey, but all I was interested in was winning and getting to the finish line.
Somewhere along the way, I started hearing our clients saying, thank you so much for helping my parents. Thank you so much for helping me...
When I started listening to what was being said to me, that's when I started enjoying what I do.
Now, I'm still competitive. I still want to be number one.
But I am enjoying the journey.”
Closing
My thanks to these readers, and to all of you who take the time to share your thoughts, experiences, and questions.
You remind me that a conversation becomes richer when more voices are heard.
Wishing you a week of meaningful moments, thoughtful connections, and a soul that soars,
Rabbi Ze'ev Smason
P.S. Have a thought, experience, or question you'd like to share? I'd love to hear from you. Your words might provide a spark for a future edition of Readers Respond!
