The ins and outs, ups and downs of what we do with the Shofar this time of year continue to grab my attention. On Rosh Hashanah, there are three different sections or presentations of Shofar calls. The sections and their calls are all similar (except for the GEDOLAH on the last one!), but their intent differs. It starts with Malchuyot—translated as sovereignty, kingship, or something to that effect.

In the mystic map of reality, that term is also used for the physical manifestation of god-stuff in the shape of us and our world. Our bodies, our physical needs and wants, our life in this world—it all starts and ends there. When we don’t tend to our body’s needs or pay attention to what it’s telling us, we create obstacles to heart, mind, and spirit. So at the beginning of the New Year and the ten days of Teshuvah, the Shofar directs our attention here first, as well.

Pay some attention: What is your body saying to you? How are you responsive to its needs? How are its limitations impacting your heart, mind, or spirit? What is the physical sense that brings you the most joy, connection, or meaning? How might you follow your body’s wisdom to discover the other parts of you?