(Hint: It’s Not About Hunger)
The Jewish people in the desert rejected spiritual food (the Mann)—but not because they were hungry.
They wanted something else:
They wanted to numb their pain. Imagine carrying heavy bags filled with old hurts, trauma, and exhaustion. When you’re overwhelmed by those heavy feelings, you don’t want clarity or connection.
You want to escape. You reach for distractions, comforts, or anything that dulls the ache inside. That’s an explanation on why they craved regular food.
Spiritual nourishment, like the Mann, requires being fully present.
1. Present to your feelings.
2. Present to your truth.
3. Present to your growth.
But here’s the tough part:
Presence without self-compassion feels overwhelming, even scary.
Sound familiar?
If setting boundaries with yourself or others feels exhausting, it’s probably because you’re trying to do it without enough compassion for yourself.
Here’s an easy step to get started:
Pause and tell yourself:
“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. I’m learning to be present, and it’s okay to take it slow.”
Practicing self-compassion is like taking the heavy bags off your shoulders. It makes connection possible—without being overwhelming.
Remember this:
“Self-compassion isn’t optional—it’s essential.”
Give yourself compassion first.
Then being present—and setting healthy boundaries—won’t feel as overwhelming.
“If you’re exhausted from being ‘spiritual’, you might be doing it backward.”
Explore the NextSelf Blog. Start with this post explaining the world of souls. And my Youtube. Content is published to this facebook first and a few days later, to the blog.
The blog lists all the difference patterns to study, understanding patterns is how one can develop 'Daas' [felt knowing].
Update: As awe, trust, and love deepen, they can allow greater openness and intimacy with the Creator. That intimacy can include sadness when you notice how much more of His goodness can be revealed.