The responses to the dailies have been amazing lately. Readers have a lot of newfound hope and inspiration. There is real optimism for the future [which is hard to come by these days.]

However, some students are worried it’s too good to be true.

That’s how our dark side gets us. The moment these doubts creep in, the instant we begin to worry about how long it will last, we run out of light. Doubt is the disconnection.

Today, just be appreciative. Be grateful for the joy you have carved out for yourself. Don’t let thoughts of what will be tomorrow ruin what is today.

Now is the time, more than ever, that we want to unite ourselves with people of strong consciousness and create unity and love with them. That’s the only we are going to be protected during these times. The only way.

Why? Darkness can’t penetrate unity. Even if there is a harsh decree out there, if there’s unity, the judgment can be averted.

Today, focus on expanding your circle of positive people. Look to strengthen the bonds you already have and to reach out to new people that you know can support you in your life’s journey.

Perfection exists in the future. That's what the Kabbalists tell us. One day, you, me and this crazy topsy-turvy world we live in will one day be united, peaceful, fulfilled, and totally blessed out.

And as time is an illusion, and the future is here now, we can hurry up and taste our perfection by meditating on it.

Today, spend a couple of quiet minutes envisioning the perfected version of yourself. Go all the way and imagine all the details. Don't hold back.

Zohar teaches us, the end is in the beginning. How well or poor the results of our actions depends on the initial intention. Intention shapes the capacity of our vessel (desire.)

As you begin a new year of classes and studying at local Centres, online, or with our books and audio/video programs, I want all of you to get the most of your experiences. Therefore, before starting your next course, class or book, write down...

One thing I intend to change by the end of this is _____________.

For those of you reading these emails, try this. It will create a vessel with which to manifest all the changes you want to make.

Last weekend I overheard the conversation of a few pre-teen students here at The Kabbalah Centre. One of the boys was reading a passage from Zohar when one of the older boys scolded him, "that's not how Yehuda Berg does it!"

The kid shot back, "So, am I him?!"

Exactly. Teachers are meant to be our guides, but at the end of the day, we have to carve out our own unique path through life. As I wrote a few days back, we have to make our own choices, and not blindly follow.

Today, be yourself, and be proud of it. Six billion people on this planet - and only one you.

Most of us have an appreciation for what we don't have, but we don't appreciate what we already have. But you know this already. The brand new car this week loses its umph 10 weeks from now.

The big question is, how do we maintain our gratefulness?

Remembering.

Whatever you have right now is yours because at some point you desired it. The trick is to constantly remind yourself of why you wanted it in first place. Go back to those feelings today. That's what being grateful is about.

Spirituality aside, let’s be honest here. We all look out and judge people for their flaws. And many of us turn that critical gaze on ourselves, worst of all.

Rav Ashlag speaks to this idea and offers advice that can change the way you see people - and yourself:

"…the Creator did not complete the creation at the time of creation. We find in any corner of the reality in front of us - in general and in particular - that it is subject to the rules of gradual development, from the undeveloped all the way to the final growth.

If, for example, we taste bitterness in a fruit in the beginning of its growth, we do not find it a fault and defect of the fruit, because we know the reason – the fruit still did not finish its development process.

In the same way that the fruit goes through this process, so too, all of reality goes thru this process."

Let us remember today we are all works in gradual progress.

For more information please call 702.243.0559 or email lasvegas@kabbalah.com or stop by the Kabbalah Centre at 3824 S. Jones Blvd (between Spring Mountain & Flamingo).

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