Beshalach: Leaving the status quo behind

 

Shemos 14:13. Moses said to the people, Don't be afraid! Stand firm and see the Lord's salvation that He will wreak for you today, for the way you have seen the Egyptians is [only] today, [but] you shall no longer continue to see them for eternity.

 

The people's doubts stem from their perception of the status quo.  Even though they are away from Egypt this status quo still clings to them.  What they have to do now is that once physically removed from Egypt they must also be spiritually removed as well.

 

Their spiritual removal from the materiality and bondage of Egypt begins with perception.  It says above 'stand firm and see,' and 'you shall no longer continue to see,' referring to the way they perceive themselves and their relationship to the Egyptians.  What Moses is telling them is that the status not only won't continue but it will never appear again as the events that follow will bear witness to.

 

What does this mean and how does this apply to Consciousness?  First of all when we are faced with a situation that seems intolerable we have to recognize it is only so because of our perception which has made it so.  Beyond rectifying whatever we can physically meaning escaping, or repenting or forgiving and proceeding to do the right thing we also have to change our minds about the way we see ourselves in such a status quo type of situation.

 

There is always a better way which ultimately leads to freedom.  This better way is provided by divine guidance and more importantly; by our acceptance of this divine guidance.

 

Now once we are free physically and have accepted the higher wisdom in our particular situation we are definitely ready to move on.  Once we do so then we will see that the status quo not only will not be anymore in terms of keeping us tied to it we will also be free of this particular situation whatever it may be forever.  

 

Zohar Beshelach 26. One knows his broken bones and broken spirit only after he leaves his work. Yisrael only tasted death when they departed from Egypt, but the Holy One, blessed be He, healed them, as is written: "And Hashem went before them by day..." (Shemot 13:21). All the roads exuded scents of healing which entered their bodies, and they were healed. From the sound of the praises that they heard, they rejoiced and reposed and purified their spirit.

 

Upon leaving Egypt, Israel tastes freedom and also tastes the responsibility that freedom teaches us.  Once we are free from the status quo it is up to us to remain free by remembering what it was that freed us in the first place.  This is symbolized by the praises Israel heard meaning the good thoughts they were now used to paying attention to.  

 

We leave the status quo by assuming a different mind set; one that knows it can do better and continues in this way day after day.  This is the attitude which keeps our perception always on track continuously referencing the above and relying upon heaven as our source for inspiration and all forward movement.  B"H