https://youtu.be/jJWd-fnF3ng
Order is the Soul Trait that gives structure to our lives. Your first task in Order is to stop practicing Gratitude, and move on to Order.
In Mussar, Order governs planning, how often we put our things away, and how we react if we walk into a chaotic room. Order also covers the Laws of Nature. Practicing Order can help you find things. In addition, some things like a clock only function if all of the parts are working together correctly.
Although I generally avoid Hebrew in American Mussar, Order is a word you may already be familiar with: Seder, as in the Passover Seder. Every year, we use a guidebook to follow the same practices year after year. Interestingly, many people do not follow the book exactly every year, they throw in extra stories, songs, poems, or games. To rigidly follow the Haggadah might be too much Order for some people, and inhibit the joy and togetherness of the holiday.
The goal of the Order Soul Trait is to create structure without conscious thought, which in turn saves stress. At the same time, Order in balance gives enough freedom for change and improvisation when appropriate.
Too Little Order: Chaos and disorganization
Too Much Order: Rigid, almost obsessive order
Practice:
American Mussar practice has three parts: a morning mantra, daily actions, and journaling. If you haven’t done so already, watch the video above.
Where do you sit on the spectrum between obsessive order and chaos? Note that both too little and too much Order can lead to stress. Too little Order leads to losing things, and wasted time. Too much Order bring the need for rigid control, and stress when things deviate from the plan.
Mantra
Write the following mantra on an index card, and place it by your bedside
First Things First, and Last Things Later.
In the morning, recite the phrase out loud several times and contemplate the meaning. This will frame your thoughts for the day. Pay attention to times when your Order Soul Trait comes into play.
Action
What is one small change that you can make in the direction of balance for your Order Soul Trait?
If you tend towards too little Order, pick one small area to be more orderly. For example, you can put your clothes in the hamper at night, or bring your dishes from the table to the kitchen.
If you tend towards too much Order, try practicing Trust. When something happens that isn’t according to plan, practice Trust that it will turn out ok, and let it go.
You don’t need to do anything dramatic – just take a small step outside of your comfort zone.
Journaling
Write about your experiences at night in your Mussar Journal.
If you are not into journaling, just take a few notes in your phone, or record yourself a voice memo. The key is to contemplate the action in a non-judgmental way to help enable small gradual change in the soul.
This page is part of the 13 Week American Mussar Cycle, a $36 Dollar value. To start your own Mussar Journey, take the Soul Trait Profile Quiz.
Yes, order (‘seder’ in Hebrew), is very important, along w/faith/trust & I could always use improvement in this area, specifically, time management, at times.
Hi Janet – Thank you for the comment. The question to ask yourself is this: “What is one small thing that I can change to bring myself closer to balance in Order?” Set your intention, and work on it this week.
Once again, a soul trait has showed up just when I need it. I have been sick for two weeks, and am seriously behind. I am not an organized person, and now I have an opportunity to get “hyper organized” for the remaining 5 weeks until the book comes out. The list of things to do, people to talk to, things to set up is just daunting.
I got pretty down when I was not feeling well, and started to go down the path of “poor me, I took too much on and now I’m overworked and unhappy.” The flip side is wow, what a challenge. What an extraordinary opportunity to reach a lot of people. But running around like a chicken sans head won’t bet me anywhere but crazy. So, as much as it pains me, I’m writing a plan.
I used to make lists and try to check off as any items as possible. Then I drifted away and let more chaos emerge, While considering Order I returned to listing the items that need my attention and find that it really does relieve stress. I am also becoming more forgetful in my mid-70’s and order helps me keep track of what needs doing.