top of page
Writer's pictureSusie Keinon

Cultivating Self-Awareness and Empathy: Parshat Vayeshev

Updated: Dec 20, 2024

logo of colorful tree

Cultivating Self-Awareness and Empathy: How Joseph Becomes Mindful


In Parashat Vayeshev, Yosef is introduced as a נער, a term often interpreted to reflect his immaturity and self-centeredness. He brings negative reports about his brothers to their father, flaunts his dreams of dominance, and seems oblivious to how his actions affect those around him.  Yosef’s journey also includes betrayal and hardship, and it brings profound growth.  After being sold into slavery and later imprisoned, Yosef becomes more attuned to others’ emotions and needs. He becomes a valued and trusted employee of Potiphar, understanding what he needs.

This transformation continues in his interactions with the butler, and the baker in prison. Yosef listens deeply, discerns their concerns and understands who they are and what they need, and he offers interpretations of their dreams, showing empathy and insight. 

What brings about Yosef’s change and growth? Could it be surviving the traumatic experience of being thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his brothers? Or thoughts of not wanting to disappoint his father Yaakov? 


Was Yosef mindful? His growth mirrors the process of mindfulness—a practice of cultivating awareness of oneself and others. Initially, Yosef’s focus is inward, but as he faces life’s challenges, he learns to balance self-awareness with an acute sensitivity to those around him. Mindfulness teaches us that being present and attentive can transform not only ourselves but also our relationships. Yosef’s ability to truly see and respond to others allows him to bring healing to his relationships and solutions to a national crisis of drought and potential famine, ultimately rising to a position of leadership and saving a nation from starvation.

His story reminds us that being aware and sensitive to others and stepping outside of ourselves, can profoundly impact our lives and the lives of those around us. 

Let’s try a meditation that cultivates self-reflection, empathy, and awareness of one's impact on others:


  • Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down.

  • Close your eyes or keep them lightly closed, focusing your gaze downward.


  • Start by tuning into your body, noticing the weight of your body on the surface you are resting on and any points of contact.


  • Focus on your breath, observing the sensations of breathing, without controlling the breath in any way. Noticing as you breathe in…. And noticing as you breathe out…. (take a few breaths)


  •  Ask yourself, “how am I feeling right now?” Notice any emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations without judging them.  These feelings and sensations come and go.  Try to notice them without holding on to them. You can try to label them as “thought” or "thinking", "sensation" or "feeling” as they come up, and then watch them pass. (short pause)


  • "Now, bring to mind a recent interaction with someone where you felt a strong emotion or reaction. It could be a positive or negative experience. Imagine as many details as you can about the situation.  Reflect on how your actions and words may have impacted the other person. Consider how you would like to be treated in a similar situation. (short pause)

  • "Try asking yourself: 'How can I act with more kindness and compassion in my interactions with others?' 'What can I learn from this experience to grow and improve?'  And also very important, how do I treat myself?  Let these questions sit for a while, and feel free to come back to them to help you understand yourself more,  and your behavior impacts on others.


  • As you exhale, repeat to yourself: '” May my actions bring kindness and compassion to me and those around me.” Repeat it.


  • "Take a few deep breaths and slowly open your eyes. Notice how you feel in this moment. Carry this sense of self-awareness, empathy, and compassion into your daily life.  Your self-awareness can lead to greater compassion and understanding towards others.    


Remember that every interaction is an opportunity for growth and connection.


To listen to this podcast and guided practice: https://insig.ht/HSLNJlpvtPb



To learn more about mindfulness courses and workshops in Hebrew: https://www.mindfulnesswithsusie.com/he/mindfulness-course-with-susie-lp



                                                                                      

purple and pink lily flower


             שבת שלום

22 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


logo mindfulness with Susie
bottom of page