Hundreds of thousands of books and billions of pages have been written about it. It is so complicated, yet so simple. But not easy! In many ways, it all comes down to just a few short words, “How are you? Really!?”
As long as humanity has been around, we have been plagued and privileged to ask the great spiritual and religious questions. Who am I? Where have I come from? Where am I going? Is there anybody out there? It really can come down to just a few words of sincerity.
Not too long ago, I went to the grocery market to do some shopping. It was at the end of a pretty busy week an day, and I was in a bit of a hurry and a grumpy mood. While still in the store after purchasing my groceries, I realized there was a mistake on my receipt, so I went to the Customer Service desk to get it straightened out. This wasn’t too big a deal, only it felt like one more thing to do that was unexpected.
I walked over to the Customer Service Manager and casually asked, “So, how’re ‘ya doing?” He stopped keying whatever he was typing into the register, looked at me squarely in the eye, and asked me, “Really?” It caused me to pause. So I answered him, “Sure!” He then changed his face and began to tell me, “Well, actually, I am having a pretty rough day. My feet are killing me. My shoes are too tight. I’ve been standing all day. The customers always complain. And my boss is a jerk!” I was not expecting this!
While completely unexpected, that man taught me a very important lesson that day. This man wanted what we all want! We make it so much more complicated than it is. “How are you really?” “I am so sorry you’re having such a rough day! Hopefully, you will get home soon, get some rest, and things will be easier tomorrow.”
The Talmud teaches that we should all make 100 blessings a day (Menachot 43b). But what if instead of making 100 blessings a day, we make eye contact with, smile at, greet, or reach out to 100 people a day? Not only might you make their day, you will definitely make yours!
What is it? 100 smiles a day. 100 greetings a day. 100 connections a day. 100 blessings a day.
So… How are you? Really!? Please let me know!
As always, if you are interested in learning more about Jewish Mindfulness Meditation or how to create a more meaningful spiritual path for you and your loved ones, please make sure to sign up and click the “Stay Connected Now!” button below!
Adam Fogel
www.mindfuljudaism.com