Can one feel content and still not be satisfied with the status quo?   Can a person work hard to change yet also practice acceptance?

The Gemara on the top of amud Aleph refers to the unique Requirement that the Paschal lamb be eaten in a state of satiation. Actually it must be, as the Meiri points out, not in a state of being stuffed and unable to eat. Rather in a state bordering on full, which will become full with the consumption of the offering.

There are various commentaries who notice a spiritual message in this requirement (for example Shalah, Aseres Hadibros, Pesachim, Matzah Ashira). Specifically, that there is a certain quality of experience in relation to a mitzvah that can be attained when one is in neither a starved state nor an apathetic state. Some commentaries understand the consumption of the matzah in this state as a theurgic process that brings contentment and sustenance to the rest of life.

This reminds me of a certain psychological equanimity that often leads to the most growth. It is usually destructive to be complacent and avoidant of challenge or hardship, but it can be equally damaging to be so intense that one is filled with litanies of internal contempt and self-criticism. It is much more helpful to notice one’s actions, one’s inner states and emotions with compassion and curiosity. It is a technique that takes time to develop. Imagine, while over overeating, instead of being in denial, or criticizing yourself about it, you just quietly and mindfully noticed what you were doing. Perhaps you were feeling anxious and wanted to feel soothed, or perhaps you were engaging in something mindless and now for the first time noticed that your stomach was actually hurting but the food didn’t really taste so good. So much can be achieved by gentle compassionate curiosity towards one state. In time it is remarkable how much can change without even trying too hard or beating yourself up.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

Do you like what you see? Please subscribe and also forward any articles you enjoy to your friends, (enemies too, why not?)