Three Meditations When Hearing the Shofar

With the right mindset, you can soar above your physical space and allow your heart to take you anywhere.

When the blast of the shofar fills the air, close your eyes and contemplate. Here are three meditations to think about while hearing the shofar.

1. Let go of your ego

Focus on the shape of the shofar. It’s curved and bent. It’s time to stop fixating on everyone else’s faults, disparaging their mistakes, making them feel smaller as you make yourself feel bigger.

Begin with this meditation: I will work on growing my patience, opening my heart to those who think differently, look differently, or who seem to have nothing in common with me. I will let go of my egotism, my self-absorbed life, my attitude of arrogance. A new year brings new opportunity to recreate myself. Perhaps there have been times that I’ve been entrenched in my way of thinking, when I have hurt others through being judgmental and condescending.

Today I start fresh. I know that my compassion can fill the world with goodness. Just a little bit of light can push away the darkness. I will make space for others. I will recognize that my success is a blessing and my failure an opportunity to rise above. It is not about me. Instead it is about what I can do to make this universe better because I exist.

2. I have life to give

When Adam, the first man was created, God blew His breath of life within him. This breath of life is called a soul. In Hebrew, the word for soul (neshama) shares the same root for the word “breath” (neshima). You blow the shofar, taking that God-given breath. and you now blow back. Listen to the sound you create! This is your life force, your potential to generate your unique music in this world.

Every person is an exclusive instrument, able to bring another distinct melody to life. When you discover your individual mission, you bring your singular music alive. Together, all of our singular sounds create the most beautiful harmony.

When you hear the sounds of the shofar, breathe in. Concentrate on your every breath and breathe out. This is your sacred breath, the part of you that has potential to live a life filled with soul. You pray for life. But not just any life filled with empty days of sleepwalking, devoid of meaning and purpose. You seek real life that connects to your inner soul’s music that is waiting to be released. You have so much life to give.

3. Heal my broken heart

The sounds of the shofar reflect the story of our lives. It begins with tekiah – a complete sound. You enter this world gentle and whole, with hopes and dreams. The world is waiting for you.

Then there is the sound called shevarim that consists of three short blasts. In Hebrew shevarim means brokenness. At times in life you may find yourself broken. Life happens, your heart is shattered. Dreams and visions are crushed.

The teruah sound comes next; nine sharp staccato blasts. Close your eyes. These are the sounds of your sharp sobs and cries. You have no words to describe your pain. The hurt is so deep. How will you get out of this void that has sucked the joy out of life?

And we conclude with tekiah gedolah – one long complete blast. This is the instant that you find healing. Remember, there is nothing as whole as a broken heart. When you allow yourself to grow vulnerable, to yearn for a spiritual connection, to envelope yourself with the power of Rosh Hashanah, you journey from restriction to expansiveness. From brokenness to wholeness. From darkness to light. The piercing sounds of the shofar restores your weary self.

This Rosh Hashanah, take a moment as you hear the sounds of the shofar. See its shape. Hear its sound. Close your eyes and focus your mind. Meditate on your purpose and mission. Seek healing. Reflect upon your life.

Wishing you a year filled with peace, joy, and blessing.