Religion & SpiritualitySpirituality

Practical Spiritual Tidbits

Michael Macks

A deeper exploration of the spiritual nature of the universe, based on Torah sources

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36 episodes
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Avg 29 min
English

Episodes 36

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October 27 · 12 min
Ep. 102- Intimacy: Why do anything if G-d is orchestrating the world?
In this episode we share a perspective on the age old question of: If God runs the world, why is it necessary to do anything? We get into the dynamics of masculine and feminine, and how they are manifest in a few different areas of life.
October 21 · 23 min
Ep. 101- Relationship Dynamics (Part 1)
This episode is about the subtle dynamics present in relationships. 3 teachings from Kabbalah about the spiritual/energetic dynamics of our relationship with G-d, and how each of those can be applied in our relationships with other people (whether friendly or romantic.)
October 17 · 12 min
Ep. 100- Why is kindness valuable?
In this episode we discuss 3 reasons why it's valuable to be kind to others, based on Biblical verses and Kabbalah.
October 14 · 16 min
Ep. 99- Everything in the Universe is words
In this episode, we discuss the Kabbalistic concept that everything in the universe is built out of words. We explore how this applies to a person's name.
October 13 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep. 98- Conversation with Rachel Chaya
In this episode I sit down with Rachel Chaya, who is a soon to be published author. We discuss spiritual journeying, free choice, whether coincidences are possible, conversion, personal growth, dating, and life in the Philippines, Italy and Israel, amongst other topics. You can find her on instagram @rachelchaya_author.
October 7 · 28 min
Ep. 97- The Seven Noahide Laws
In this episode we explore the concept of the "Seven Noahide Laws," their deeper meanings, and the consciousness/ awareness they seem to be designed to help achieve.
October 1 · 22 min
Ep. 96- The Energy of Colors
In this episode we explore the spiritual roots of various different colors, based on "Gate 10" from the book Pardes Rimonim by the Kabbalist Rav Moshe Cordevero (1522-1570). As well as multiple research studies about the impact that looking at different colors has on a person. Many of the sources in this episode are from "The Coming Revolution" vol. 4 by R. Zamir Cohen.
September 23 · 16 min
Ep. 95- Spirituality of Children
This episode is about the unique spiritual qualities of children, including 7 different concepts and sources.
September 19 · 24 min
Ep. 94- How to forgive (5 perspectives)
In this episode, we share 5 perspectives, based on spiritual ideas, that may help a person to forgive someone who has wronged.
September 14 · 21 min
Ep. 93- 5 levels of consciousness
In this episode we discuss the idea that the human soul is made of 5 levels. This also corresponds to 5 levels the human body itself, the 5 universes, and the 5 levels of depth of words. We give a few practical applications of this concept and how it can be helpful in everyday life.
September 9 · 33 min
Ep. 92- A deeper look at Divine Judgement (Rosh Hashana)
In this episode we explore the concept of Divine judgement. What does this have to do with the new year (Rosh Hashana)? We share 2 approaches for where to place the concept of judgement.
September 4 · 7 min
Ep. 91- Connection between 'Belief in G-d' and 'Belief in Self'
In this episode we quote 2 sources-- Rashi (1040-1105) and Rav Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin (1823-1900)-- who shed light on the relationship between belief in a higher power and belief in self.
August 31 · 22 min
Ep. 90- The power of beliefs
In this episode we talk about the power of our beliefs. Do we fear something because it has the power to harm, or does it only have the power to harm because we fear it? We explore several Biblical sources that point to the latter. We also give a practical application of this insight.
August 28 · 24 min
Ep. 89- "Fear of God" deeper meaning
Could it really be that our Divine Source wants us to feel afraid of 'Him'? Is that really what the concept of "fear of God" means? In this episode we explore the true, deeper meaning of the concept of fear of God.
August 24 · 13 min
Ep. 88- Feeling Feelings
In this episode, we give a Kabbalistic explanation of the benefit of feeling one's feelings, i.e. developing a positive relationship with one's emotions.
August 20 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 87- The 12 Tribes
The Zohar teaches that the 12 Tribes, all together, form the completion of the Divine Presence. In this episode, we explore the unique energy of each of the 12 Tribes, as seen in the qualities and personalities of the 12 sons of Jacob and their descendants. Most of the sources quoted in this episode are from the book "Tribal Lands" by Tamar Weissman.
August 11 · 17 min
Ep. 86- Knowing what you want
In this episode we discuss wants/desires. Why is it valuable to know what you want? We discuss 2 approaches on how to clarify one's desires, based on Kabbalistic and psychological sources.
August 5 · 28 min
Ep. 85- Seeing with depth
In this episode we discuss the idea of seeing the soul of things; with more depth. The ability to see through this lens was described by the Kabbalists as the ability to see truth. We discuss multiple examples and sources, and offer 3 practical applications.
July 28 · 24 min
Ep. 84- "Soulmate Day" (The 15th of Av)
In this episode, we share 4 insights about the holiday of Tu B'Av (the 15th of Av), which is known as an opportune time to find one's soulmate. Why is specifically this day opportune? What energy is more accessible on this day? What is the significance of a full moon? What's the deeper meaning of the 3 types of people described in the Talmud? This episode was recorded on the 14th of Av. Books quoted include B'Yam Darkecha (teachings of Rav Itche Meir Morgenstern), The Months of Tamuz and Av by Rav DovBer Pinson, Moadim U'Mudaut by Rav Yitzchak Arad, and B'Maagalei Hashanah by Rav Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb.
July 20 · 22 min
Ep. 83- What is the "Shechinah"?
In this episode we discuss the concept of the "Shechinah," often translated as "Divine Feminine." What actually is it? What do the Sages teach about it? What philosophical question does it help to answer? How does it impact a person practically? One source I forgot to mention connected to the prayer idea is the Talmud (Pesachim 46a) which says "When a person is in pain, what does the Shechinah say? 'Woe to my head, woe to my arm!'" Some of the sources used in this podcast are: "Linked to the Shechinah" by Rav Yaakov Hillel, and "32-Gates" by Rav DovBer Pinson, Gate 12.

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