- Mindful observation of daily (mundane) routine
- Mindful observation of those around us
- Lifelong Learning and Growth Mindset
- Letting what we learn actually impact our feelings and thoughts
- Always "in training;" Avoid arrogance and self-deprecation
A Step-by-Step Guide
*What can I learn from this action?
(4) One should put on the right shoe first and not fasten it, then after that put on the left one and fasten it, and return and fasten the right one. Rem"a: And in the case of our shoes which do not have a fastening, one puts the right one on first. (Tosafot)
Upon hearing the sound of the rooster, one should recite: Blessed…Who gave the heart [sekhvi] understanding to distinguish between day and night.
Upon opening his eyes, one should recite: Blessed…Who gives sight to the blind.
Upon sitting up straight, one should recite: Blessed…Who sets captives free.
Upon dressing, one should recite: Blessed…Who clothes the naked, as they would sleep unclothed.
Upon standing up straight, one should recite: Blessed…Who raises those bowed down.
Upon descending from one’s bed to the ground, one should recite: Blessed…Who spreads the earth above the waters, in thanksgiving for the creation of solid ground upon which to walk.
Upon walking, one should recite: Blessed…Who makes firm the steps of man.
Upon putting on his shoes, one should recite: Blessed…Who has provided me with all I need, as shoes are a basic necessity.
Upon putting on his belt, one should recite: Blessed…Who girds Israel with strength.
Upon spreading a shawl upon his head, one should recite: Blessed…Who crowns Israel with glory.
The Gemara cites other expositions that deal with Torah study. Rabbi Ḥama, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “Iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17)? This verse comes to tell you that just as with these iron implements, one sharpens the other when they are rubbed against each other, so too, when Torah scholars study together, they sharpen one another in their legal studies.
It also challenges us to learn from those we might instinctively blame or critique.
Share a time when a friend, acquaintance, or college found themselves in trouble after poor decisions.
What was your instinctive reaction? Did you find yourself blaming them at all? If so, why do you think that is?
How might you be similarly vulnerable?
(based on Tikkun Middot Project Curriculum)
Ben Zoma says: Who is the wise one? He who learns from every peron, as it says, "I have acquired understanding from all my teachers" (Psalms 119:99).
Similarly, Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Even if the Torah had not been given, we would nonetheless have learned modesty from the cat, which covers its excrement, and that stealing is objectionable from the ant, which does not take grain from another ant, and forbidden relations from the dove, which is faithful to its partner, and proper relations from the rooster, which first appeases the hen and then mates with it.
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.
(יח) לֹֽא־תִקֹּ֤ם וְלֹֽא־תִטֹּר֙ אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י עַמֶּ֔ךָ וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥ לְרֵעֲךָ֖ כָּמ֑וֹךָ אֲנִ֖י יקוק
(18) You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen. Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
(*alternatively: Love your neighbor [who is a fellow human being] like yourself. I am the LORD [who created all of you in my image].)

