“The whole entire world is a very narrow bridge, the main thing is to be totally unafraid.”- Reb Nachman of Breslov

Life is a balancing act. The difference between health and happiness, sorrow and death, is a knife’s edge that know it or not, we walk every day. Life hangs on our next breath, the next heartbeat, a narrow temperature range, and a small set of conditions on Planet Earth that make human existence possible.

At any moment, life can end. We can slip off the “narrow bridge” that Reb Nachman refers to and plunge into eternity in a single misstep. But we cannot afford to live our lives in fear of that fall. It is going to come, inevitably, someday for all of us; the real question is, “How will I live right NOW, in whatever time I am given?” Will I live in terror at the prospect of future pain, suffering or death? Or will I grasp my “now”, and stride over the bridge of my life, over the gulf of fear, toward my best and highest vision and purpose? It’s choice we make every minute, every day.

The purpose of fear is awareness. Fear opens our eyes, pricks up our ears, readies our muscles for movement. Awareness is our friend, unconsciousness our enemy. Let’s embrace that awareness as Awe, not Fear, and stride out on the bridge over the span of our lives. Eternity awaits us all.

What do I need to be aware of to move through my life today?

Nachman of Breslov, also known as Reb Nachman of Bratslav, (April 4, 1772 – October 16, 1810), was the founder of the BreslovHasidic movement.

Rebbe Nachman, a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, breathed new life into the Hasidic movement by combining the esoteric secrets of Judaism (the Kabbalah) with in-depth Torah scholarship. He attracted thousands of followers during his lifetime and his influence continues until today through many Hasidic movements such as Breslov Hasidism.^[1] Rebbe Nachman’s religious philosophy revolved around closeness to God and speaking to God in normal conversation “as you would with a best friend.”

Joe Laur is a father, husband, artist, builder, naturalist, consultant, and EcoKosher mashgiach. He lives with his wife Sara in western Massachusetts, where he serves as head groundskeeper and resident singer songwriter. Send him your favorite teaching quote for commentary. He can be reached at joe.laur@joelaur.com.