A Foundational Flood

Friday, February 3rd 2023 | 12 Shevat 5783

To my beautiful readers, 

I am so glad that you’re here. I missed you! January was a roller coaster for me - anyone else relate? I’ll give you the spark notes - my apartment flooded. Yep. A flood, caused by rain, in California. Where it isn’t supposed to rain. Cool cool cool. After three weeks of navigating a very entertaining nightmare, watching my apartment become a construction site - saying goodbye to the old, wet, floors and 2 feet of drywall - this week I got to say hello not only to new floors, but to a new foundation. Quite the positive spin on a very negative situation if I do say so myself! 

I didn’t realize this until now, but this was quite a fitting time for this to happen. The rain is pretty consistent with the current lunar month, Shevat. It's all about rebirth. It’s when we get to celebrate the birthday of the trees, Tu B'shevat, and we get a little bit closer to Spring. 

There are many things that can be said about trees - but  what makes a tree so unique is the foundation that each tree has to have to grow. A tree doesn’t start at the top - it starts with the roots. Roots need water to grow and then the foundation gets stronger, growing an incredible trunk, branches, leaves, and sometimes fruit. That growth is a process, but the success of the growth is determined by the foundation of the roots. How symbolic. A chance to build a new foundation during the month of Shevat. 

When you think of the foundation for your life right now  - what comes up for you? Do you think about a physical space? A person or group of people? A career path? Where are you growing your roots right now, and how are you watering them? Who’s helping you water them, and who’s not? Would you do anything differently to change your foundation? 

As I reenter my space, I’m thinking about - what am I still holding on to that it’s time to get rid of? Creating a space for a physical and metaphorical clearing has helped me to feel lighter and embrace this new foundation with a sense of excitement, adventure, and joy. 

I don’t wish a flooded apartment on anyone, but I’ll invite you to think about how you can embrace your foundation - old and new - and clear whatever you might need to get rid of this Shabbat, and this Shevat, to show up as a better, lighter, and happier version of you. I wish you the best of luck!

Shabbat Shalom!

Ethically,

Emily