An Inventory of the Soul

Awhile ago, I stopped actually subscribing to Tikkun magazine, but there are some things I learned there that stay with me.  Specifically, Rabbi Michael Lerner suggests we update the practice of Cheshbon Hanefesh, the inventory of the soul, undertaken in preparation for Yom Kippur.  If we want to do it, we have to hurry, because the High Holy Days begin today!  In this time of "repentance" (the Hebrew word means "turning"), a spiritual inventory is the basis for making changes and making amends.

Lerner's Repentance Workbook is beautiful and compelling.  See: http://www.tikkun.org/nextgen/tik15628.html

Here is the suggestion, in brief form:
Divide your life into broad categories, and review the quality of your living in each of them for the past year.

What is in and out of spiritual alignment ouin your relationships with
Parents

Spouse or partner

Friends

Others

A serious reflection on these would be a lot, and worth doing even if it's as far as you get.

Other provocative questions follow:

How spiritually nourishing is your work?  (and what can you do about it?)
     What about your relationships at work?
Have you been showing respect for your body?
Are you taking enough time to nourish your soul?
Are you putting enough of your energy into healing the world?

What would you change in the coming year?  How will you hold yourself accountable?
Lerner suggests having a partner for this work, so it won't be totally solitary and agonizing.

Making this an annual practice would help us keep our relationships with ourselves and others tuned up, spiritually.  Wouldn't that make life richer and more rewarding?  I'm seriously going to attend to this over the next ten days, maybe longer, and see what happens.