We all carry our past with us every day. There are many reasons to carry with us memories of loved ones who touched us in a positive way and experiences that left a lasting impact on us so as to build our character. In those cases, we retain the adornments and enhancements of those moments, even if we were actually facing a challenge that seemed insurmountable, and even if we found a way to snatch a "victory" out of a "defeat."
Yet, memories and experiences can also be "baggage." Lasting hurt, grudges, regrets, anger and hatred can weigh us down more than we realize. The past, rather than being behind us, is in front of us, before our eyes, creating our lens for the here and now, preventing us from seeing the good that could be a part of our lives.
It may be, too, that we are so attached to positive relationships - friends, colleagues, or leaders - from our past that, when a new person enters into those positions, we refuse to accept that they might have anything to offer in comparison to a cherished predecessor.
The Jewish High Holy Days attempt to guide us to "let go" of our hurts, our grudges, our hatred, and even our own mistakes and errors in judgment, so that we can move forward with a sense of feeling unburdened by aspects of our past. It means forgiving others and ourselves, even if we can't forget.
The images in the song "Why Do We Hold On?" came from the descriptions in the Torah about the Pillar of Cloud/Fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness to the Promised Land. There were times with the people moved from one place to another, and other instances when the Pillar rested in a certain spot, directing the people to rest and remain in that location for the time being.
In our lives, we may not know when it is time to "leave" or "stay." Sometimes we may actually "leave" without moving to a new community. Sometimes "staying" might mean that we should open our eyes and see that the new place where we have arrived has many gifts to give us, even if it is not perfect. That notion can apply to people as well.
I have always told Bar/Bat Mitzvah families: "Your special day doesn't have to be perfect, but it should be meaningful and memorable." It is the same with life, and if we have the wisdom to let go of anything that we should leave behind, we will be better able to find contentment in the future. When we relinquish the pain that we no longer need as a traveling companion, the days ahead will be filled with peace and, yes, even happiness.
Why do we hold on? (L. Karol) - Copyright 2008 Larry Karol
Based on Psalm 25, High Holy Day Prayers and Parashat B’ha-alot’cha
I can see where You’re going, will you let me follow?
There hasn’t been a time when you’ve led me astray
Can I trust how you tell me not dwell upon the past
To look ahead without regret to make tomorrow a better day
to make tomorrow a better day
CHORUS: Why do we hold on to what we should leave behind?
Why do we choose our pain over peace that we could find?
Forgiveness can lift a broken soul and ease a worried mind
Why do we hold on, hold on, why do we hold on to what we should leave behind?
There are signs all around us telling us to stay
To rest inside the goodness that guides us on our way
There’s a fire that is burning, giving light when darkness falls
Can we let go of the familiar so we can answer when You call?
so we can answer when You call - CHORUS
When we stand in confusion, not knowing where to turn
Point us in the right direction to live the lessons we have learned
To live the lessons we have learned - CHORUS
Why do we hold on to what we should leave behind?
Yet, memories and experiences can also be "baggage." Lasting hurt, grudges, regrets, anger and hatred can weigh us down more than we realize. The past, rather than being behind us, is in front of us, before our eyes, creating our lens for the here and now, preventing us from seeing the good that could be a part of our lives.
It may be, too, that we are so attached to positive relationships - friends, colleagues, or leaders - from our past that, when a new person enters into those positions, we refuse to accept that they might have anything to offer in comparison to a cherished predecessor.
The Jewish High Holy Days attempt to guide us to "let go" of our hurts, our grudges, our hatred, and even our own mistakes and errors in judgment, so that we can move forward with a sense of feeling unburdened by aspects of our past. It means forgiving others and ourselves, even if we can't forget.
The images in the song "Why Do We Hold On?" came from the descriptions in the Torah about the Pillar of Cloud/Fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness to the Promised Land. There were times with the people moved from one place to another, and other instances when the Pillar rested in a certain spot, directing the people to rest and remain in that location for the time being.
In our lives, we may not know when it is time to "leave" or "stay." Sometimes we may actually "leave" without moving to a new community. Sometimes "staying" might mean that we should open our eyes and see that the new place where we have arrived has many gifts to give us, even if it is not perfect. That notion can apply to people as well.
I have always told Bar/Bat Mitzvah families: "Your special day doesn't have to be perfect, but it should be meaningful and memorable." It is the same with life, and if we have the wisdom to let go of anything that we should leave behind, we will be better able to find contentment in the future. When we relinquish the pain that we no longer need as a traveling companion, the days ahead will be filled with peace and, yes, even happiness.
Why do we hold on? (L. Karol) - Copyright 2008 Larry Karol
Based on Psalm 25, High Holy Day Prayers and Parashat B’ha-alot’cha
I can see where You’re going, will you let me follow?
There hasn’t been a time when you’ve led me astray
Can I trust how you tell me not dwell upon the past
To look ahead without regret to make tomorrow a better day
to make tomorrow a better day
CHORUS: Why do we hold on to what we should leave behind?
Why do we choose our pain over peace that we could find?
Forgiveness can lift a broken soul and ease a worried mind
Why do we hold on, hold on, why do we hold on to what we should leave behind?
There are signs all around us telling us to stay
To rest inside the goodness that guides us on our way
There’s a fire that is burning, giving light when darkness falls
Can we let go of the familiar so we can answer when You call?
so we can answer when You call - CHORUS
When we stand in confusion, not knowing where to turn
Point us in the right direction to live the lessons we have learned
To live the lessons we have learned - CHORUS
Why do we hold on to what we should leave behind?
Live at Hava Nashira June 1, 2012 - Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
http://www.reverbnation.com/larrykarol/song/13502793-why-do-we-hold-on-live
http://www.reverbnation.com/larrykarol/song/13502793-why-do-we-hold-on-live
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