Staying focused on “big picture items” is key, especially when life throws you a curve ball.
So far, 2019 has been a year full of significant life events, some could have derailed me, while others guided me back to my center. Together, all the experiences reinforced my focus on family and spirituality – two anchors that are central to who I am and how I lead Scheer Partners.
The beginning of the year set the tone for subsequent events during the next few months. In January, Scheer Partners started hosting spiritual Lunch and Learns led by Rabbi Shlomo Buxbaum. Shlomo and his wife, Devorah founded the LEV Experience as an opportunity to bring people together in a relaxed environment to teach Jewish wisdom and values. The Lunch and Learns offer an hour-long spiritual oasis in the middle of a hectic workweek. They offer time to pause and reflect on life’s purpose and are intellectually stimulating.
When I first thought about hosting spiritual discussions in the office, I was concerned that some of the team might feel alienated or pressured to attend. On the contrary, I received positive feedback from the entire Scheer team.
One of the most attractive qualities of the Scheer Lunch and Learns is having them open to all faiths. In fact, one of the most engaged regular attendees is a devout Christian.
Prior to hosting the lunches, I started planning a men’s discovery trip to Israel with several of my closest friends. We were on a quest for spiritual growth and a better understanding of Israeli history. The timing was perfect. We all had a deeper knowledge of the history of Israel after attending the LEV Lunch and Learns. We were revved up for a spiritual and historically informative experience.
Unfortunately, days before the trip, my mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of small cell lung cancer. I struggled with whether I should cancel my trip and stay with my mom. But, after much thought, I realized the trip was exactly what I needed to emotionally and spiritually prepare myself for helping my mom in the coming weeks. Israel is one of the holiest places in the world and having the opportunity to pray for my mom at the Wailing Wall was a highlight.
I don’t know if I would have made the same decision had I not been attending the Lunch and Learns for several months. The Lunch and Learns at Scheer Partners are always uplifting philosophical discussions that center around historical events and spirituality. They prepared me for my trip to Israel and helped me find peace and objectivity regarding my mother’s illness.
2019 has been a year of reflection for me and clarity on important values like family and spirituality.