Traditionally when people arrive at a holy place or time they contemplate that which is occurring in their lives. They think about the thoughts that are coming up in their minds and allow their souls to follow the faint lights that are flickering within. Within them they find inspiration that is coming from the special place or time in which they find themselves.
Take La B'Omer as an example. It is seen as a time when one can connect to the teachings of Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai. People learn his teachings and rejoice in his story. Imagine how special it would be if he would actually appear to a person with words of encouragement! How amazingly uplifting! Those who come to his grave on Lag B'Omer understand that the feelings that are in their hearts when they are standing there are also coming directly from him.
This is true hearing - opening the heart to receive the messages of the particular time and place. If one arrives there with pre-determined notions of what he wishes to accomplish there he will never hear these voices as he has already decided what it is that he will hear. But if one arrives empty and open, prepared to absorb any new inspiration that will come his way this year - not limited by his own vessel, but whatever is offered to him - he will come away with what heaven has in store for him that day. For a long time he will be able to relive that experience of the words Rebbe Shimon said to him.
The same is true anytime one enters into prayer. He should be coming not only to speak what is on his mind, but also to receive that which is spoken and given to him. Not only that which he is predisposed to hear, but prepared to receive and learn from whatever Hashem tells him.
Take La B'Omer as an example. It is seen as a time when one can connect to the teachings of Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai. People learn his teachings and rejoice in his story. Imagine how special it would be if he would actually appear to a person with words of encouragement! How amazingly uplifting! Those who come to his grave on Lag B'Omer understand that the feelings that are in their hearts when they are standing there are also coming directly from him.
This is true hearing - opening the heart to receive the messages of the particular time and place. If one arrives there with pre-determined notions of what he wishes to accomplish there he will never hear these voices as he has already decided what it is that he will hear. But if one arrives empty and open, prepared to absorb any new inspiration that will come his way this year - not limited by his own vessel, but whatever is offered to him - he will come away with what heaven has in store for him that day. For a long time he will be able to relive that experience of the words Rebbe Shimon said to him.
The same is true anytime one enters into prayer. He should be coming not only to speak what is on his mind, but also to receive that which is spoken and given to him. Not only that which he is predisposed to hear, but prepared to receive and learn from whatever Hashem tells him.
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