Can you imagine how much happier and simpler life would be if we could truly believe that everything is rigged in our favor–if we had that much faith? If we could trust that we live in a beneficent universe and that everything that comes our way is for our ultimate good?
There is a beautiful book, The Garden of Emuna, that has had a profound effect on me over the years. Emuna essentially means that one relates every single happening in life to Divine Will and Providence. It is pure and complete faith in the Divine.
There are three main premises to Emuna:
- Everything comes from the Divine, even the tiniest, and most seemingly insignificant event.
- Everything happens for the best.
- Everything that happens is for a purpose, and we are encouraged to contemplate and do our best to understand the message within whatever happens.
In The Garden of Emuna, the author Rabbi Shalom Arush says, “Everything that happens to us—spiritually or materially, accidental or intended, no matter who or what the catalyst seems to be—comes exclusively from the Divine. The Divine assembles the multitude of “puzzle pieces”—the people, events, and influencing factors in our lives—to create a certain situation in our lives or in the world around us.”
He further shares that “the main reason that the world was created is to bestow the Divine’s loving kindness on all of creation and everything is for our ultimate welfare. Nothing is random—all things have a specific rationale and purpose.”
This entire book is about searching for the Divine wisdom or message within everything that happens to us. And, to trust that life’s difficulties are designed for our ultimate good and to stimulate spiritual growth.
What If Everything That Happens To You Is An Essential Piece of the Puzzle In Living Your Divine Adventure?
As I look back over my life thus far, I can absolutely see the truth in these teachings. When I suffered a sports injury on an exploration in Australia a number of years ago, I couldn’t have known that the onset of chronic pain from the accident would lead to a life-changing inner exploration and my spiritual path of Kabbalah. I couldn’t have known that I would be pushed to the edge until I found my voice and true passion—singing and songwriting, which led to the creation of my band, My Silent Bravery. My Silent Bravery symbolizes persistence, perseverance and inner strength to overcome obstacles in the face of adversity. I couldn’t have known that I would come to host a weekly Facebook Live program that would draw primarily females, the Bravehearts, who have found this format and our time together a safe place to share their struggles and breakthroughs. I couldn’t have known that I would be guided to The Good Men Project, become a columnist, and have the opportunity to touch readers’ lives. Even one person who is inspired or feels supported on their journey is a gift to me.
I do believe that all of this has been part of a Divine plan, that everything has happened for the best, and that it all has a higher purpose.
I must admit that it is not always easy to have inner peace or immediately trust that everything is happening for the best. Especially, if it is a challenging situation that triggers me. But, the longer I practice these principles and go deeper and deeper into my faith, it becomes increasingly more natural and fulfilling.
For my second album, “Are You Prepared?”, I wrote a song titled, “Faith”. I invite you to listen here:
Lyrics to “Faith” by My Silent Bravery
It’s going to take one hell of a plan
To reach a global consciousness
Some people take, they put out their hands
And never like to give back again
The sickness is the bitterness
We’re looking for the medicine
The problem is when we invest
That we expect a dividend
Right away without delay
A product of the world today
Did you hear your mother say that
Something good is worth the wait
It just takes a little Faith
But how can you see it If you don’t believe in it in the first place
It all can start today
When you believe
You’ll see a bit goes a long way
It’s going to take one hell of a man
To come and lead us to the promised land
But don’t you think that he could use a hand
Get to your feet now, so we can stand together
The sickness is the laziness
We’re looking for the medicine
The problem is when we invest
That we expect a dividend
Right away without delay
A product of the world today
The sinister will be erased and sinners can turn into saints
Chorus
You’ll see a bit goes a long way
—
The Garden of Emuna: A Practical Guide to Life by Rabbi Shalom Arush (Author), Translated by Rabbi Lazer Brody (Author). Publisher, Chut Shel Chessed Institutions.
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