I’m often asked, “Is it OK to do hitbodedut while I’m walking?”
When I’m giving a class, it’s easy to clarify what the questioner means and give an appropriate answer. In writing, it’s necessary to lay out some of the possibilities.
First, bear in mind that the essence of hitbodedut is having a relationship with God, a relationship so important that it’s on your “to-do” list everyday, a relationship so important that you shut off all your devices and lock out all distractions.
So, if you’re walking from Point A to Point B and think, “Gee, I’ll use this time for hitbodedut,” you’re losing out on giving to God some of your precious time. By all means, talk to Him! But some quality in the relationship is undeveloped.
Maybe you were late for your hitbodedut and have to go on to the next part of the day. Or you still have things you want to say but need to take care of the next thing. There’s no harm in extending your hitbodedut in this way.
What some people mean by “walking” is pacing. Focus is a huge part of doing hitbodedut (as well as one of its goals). So if on any given day pacing helps you to focus, pace away and don’t worry about wearing down the carpet.
Some people are kinetic—they just need to be in motion. When he was younger, Rebbe Nachman was like that. He had trouble sitting in one place for any length of time. Eventually, he learned to have zitsfleish, and was able to sit for long periods of time (Rabbi Nachman’s Praises #14). If you’re that sort of kinetic type—or any sort of kinetic type— it’s AOK to be on the move as you do your hitbodedut. Stay focused!
Comments are more than welcome; they’re invited! Thank you,
© Copyright 2015 148west/com/O. Bergman
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