The first step toward lasting spiritual growth

When John McCain commanded a squadron of naval aviators, he had to keep track of an astonishing number of details.

McCain had to monitor his aircraft's fuel supply, weather conditions, enemy defenses, the location of every plane in formation, and even the individual strengths and weaknesses of the pilots under his command. A momentary lapse in awareness could mean the difference between success and failure -- or even life and death.

Yet after years of flying combat missions, McCain concluded that among everything he had to keep track of, one form of awareness mattered more than all the others.

What was it?

✨3 Ideas

1. Self-awareness

Self-awareness is the habit of noticing what’s happening within us -- our thoughts, emotions, and deepest aspirations.

An impatient driver leaning on the horn doesn’t force us to become irritated. We can just as easily shrug our shoulders, say, “That’s life in the big city,” and be on our way. The difference isn’t what happened. It’s whether we noticed what happened within us.

Within each of us, the voice of the soul calls us toward patience, gratitude, and hope. Self-awareness helps us recognize the soul’s voice before we act.

2. Beyond the noise

The voice of the soul never stops speaking. Yet it isn’t always easy to hear. Like static interfering with a radio signal, other influences can drown out the soul’s voice. 

The static isn’t the same for everyone.

For one person it may be anger. For another, pride. For someone else, fear, prejudice, or force of habit. Whatever form it takes, the effect is the same: the soul’s voice becomes harder to hear.

3. Walking the path

Self-awareness often begins by gradually removing what prevents us from hearing the soul’s voice clearly. We cultivate greater patience, honestly examine our biases, and place a greater focus on the virtues of others rather than their faults.

As the background noise begins to fade, we become better able to recognize the person we truly want to be. What we notice shapes who we become.

Each time we choose humility, understanding, and serenity, the soul’s voice becomes easier to hear — and our lives begin to reflect its wisdom.

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📜2 Quotes

“Better a patient person than a warrior, and one who rules over his spirit is better than one who conquers a city.”
— Proverbs 16:32

“You have power over your mind -- not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
— Marcus Aurelius

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❓1 Question

What inner habit or emotion most often pulls you away from your highest value?

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We began with a question: After years of flying combat missions, what form of awareness did John McCain conclude mattered more than all the others? His answer was simple: “The most important part of that equation is self-awareness.”

The same is true for each of us. We can’t always choose what happens around us. But we can choose how to respond to it. Every moment of greater self-awareness is an opportunity to become a little more like the person we are meant to be.

Until next time,
Wishing you a week of seeing yourself more clearly in your inner mirror,

Rabbi Ze'ev Smason

P.S. When frustration, worry, or anger begins to take over, what helps you regain your perspective? I’d love to hear what works for you.

P.P.S. If this week’s newsletter mirrors your interest in spirituality, my new book Spiritual Sparks: A Reader reflects that theme. I hope you’ll take a look: Amazon