MEM
The Hebrew letter Mem connects
the path from Hod to Netzach. Mem stands for Mayim, "waters".
Mem is also known in the Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Foramtion) as one of the
mother letters. By connecting the left and right sides of the Tree of Life,
it deliniates a path for bringing these two sides into balance. Through
the use of water, we can help bring the physical body into balance. For
example, who doesn't enjoy a relaxing bath or a nice hot shower? A dip in
a cold river can also stimulate circulation. The numerical value of Mem
is 40. This number often represents completion in the Torah. For instance,
the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years, and during the great
flood, it rained for forty days and nights. Also,in the Talmud in Avodah
Zarah 5b it is written that "it may take one forty years to know the
mind of one's master." In light of of our understanding of water as
a mechanism for balancing the physical, we might interpret the above as
also meaning that we can not so easily go to the next level if our physical
being is out of balance. Mem is also the thirteenth leter of the aleph-bet,
and this reminds us of the thirteen attributes of God's mercy that are recalled
during Pesach (Passover). Furthermore, in the Torah we also find connections
between water and mercy such as "Blessed are ye that sow beside all
waters," and "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according
to mercy."
Finally, in the Talmud we see that Torah is
also water, and that, hence, we also bring balance and healing to our being
through the study and practice of Torah.
"For it was taught: 'And they went three days in the wilderness
and found no water, upon which those who expound verses metaphorically said:
water means nothing but Torah, as it says: Ho, everyone that thirsteth come
ye for water."
-Baba Kama 82a
"My son, forget not my Torah; but let your heart keep my commandments;
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to you."
-Proverbs 3:1-2
Exercise:
To balance your being from the ground up, go
swimming at least once a week. Preferably, swim in a natural body of water,
a place of "living waters". If possible and safe, also try a moonlight
swim in the ocean. At night time, the waves take on a particular surreal
quality and can help you feel a very deeply connection to spiritual realities.
The benefits of using water to balance yourself in such a way will go far
beyond your expectations.