In this meditation, we explore the image of the angels climbing up and down in Yaakov’s dream. First we relate that image to our breath, feeling our in and out, up and down breath, as a chain of angels inside creating a constant energetic current of connection between us and God, noticing that the ladder here does not signify progress or ambition as it normally does for us, but connection — deep presence and connection right here where we are, in this “hamakom” place. We also take note of Yaakov’s stillness, lying on the ground, not moving, watching the angels as they move up and down, and we consider this image as a metaphor for meditation — anchoring in our sacred ground, and from that deep place with God, watching the stream of up and down thoughts and emotions that are constantly climbing the ladder of our minds, merely watching them and staying steady in our ground.
Sources:
Genesis 28:10-29:1
Midrash Breishit Rabbah 68:10
Augustine, Confessions, “Our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
Midrash Tanchuma Vayetze 2:1
Sefat Emet Vayetze 5649
Genesis 29:1
Rashi on Genesis 29:1
Photo by Maksim Goncharenok at Pexels
Loved this
Will work with my restlessness
How lovely to rest in Hamakom.
As always, todah rabba.