Counting the Omer Day 37: Gevurah of Yesod

Yesod is the foundation, and it is also bonding, as this sefirah brings together everything above, and Gevurah is strength and discipline. Bonding, connecting with others, is hard work. It doesn’t happen on autopilot. There are many studies that show the importance of friendship. People with a good base of friends not only are happier, they live longer. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the Surgeon General of the United States has been speaking out about the dangers of loneliness – he says the data shows loneliness is as bad for your health as smoking. In an opinion piece in the NYTimes, he shared how he had allowed himself to grow distant from his friends. To keep your bonds strong requires making an effort. Don’t wait for your friends to pick up the phone or send a message. It is absolutely worth the effort to maintain those friendships. I’m about to retire, and I’m very grateful for the network of friends I have who I will be able to spend time with when I have more time. Apply some discipline to your bonding – set regular times to call friends or do things together.