The Words of Tashlich: From the Narrow Straits to the Wide Expanse

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This Tashlich ritual seeks to help transport you from spaces that feel narrow and constrictive to those that are open and expansive. These narrow spaces may be psychological or spiritual as well as physical. For this ritual you will need a piece of cardboard, glue, a pen, some paper, scissors, and magazines. You may want to perform this ritual in any space where you will be free from distractions and where there are both tight and expansive spaces. This ritual includes self reflection, physical movement and the creation of a vision board.

The ritual of Tashlich is accompanied by a prayer. Within this prayer is the following phrase:
מִן הַמֵּצַר קָרָאתִי יָהּ עָנָנִי בַּמֶּרְחָב יָהּ
Min ha’metzar karati Ya, anani ba’merchav Ya
From the narrowness [of distress] I called [to] God; God answered me with the breadth of Divine relief.

This verse expresses the idea of starting from a place of feeling narrow and stuck and then being brought to a place of greater expanse. Many moments along the fertility journey may feel like narrow places; narrow odds, narrow choices, narrow time frame, narrow hope. You may feel a deep longing for a wide open expanse; for infinite time, a plethora of amazing possibilities, and endless hope. Perhaps you can be a part of the process of bringing yourself from the narrow straits to the wide expanse.

To begin this ritual, find a place in your home that feels tight and constraining. Maybe you have a small closet, or a space under your desk or kitchen table. Take a deep breath and enter that space. Curl your body into as small of a position as possible–you may want to aim for a fetal position. While in this position take a few deep breaths and take note of what this narrowness feels like. Notice what thoughts arise in your mind, and what memories may present themselves.

When you feel as though all of the thoughts and feelings that were seeking your attention have received it, slowly unravel your body and exit the tight space.

Next, find the most expansive space in your home, or outside of your home. Go to that space and spread out your limbs, reaching in all directions, and making yourself as expansive as possible. You may want to do this in the location in which you are performing the Tashlich ritual. Take a few deep breaths in this space and see what thoughts and feelings arise. Notice if any particular memories come to mind.

When you feel as though all of the thoughts and feelings that were seeking your attention have received it, slowly bring your body back to your normal stance.

Now, take your piece of cardboard, your glue, pen, paper, scissors, and magazines, and create on this board a collage of images and words that express your vision of this expanse. Feel free to take inspiration from what you just experienced, or design what you hope to experience in the future. You may also want to write your own words or include meaningful texts.

Once you have completed your board, consider where you would like to place it. You may want to think about placing it near the narrow place in your home where you started in order to remind yourself you went from the narrow to the expansive. You can do that again. Perhaps you want to bring this board with you to Tashlich and allow it to inspire your Tashlich ritual as well.

Booklet Section: Looking Back / Tashlich

Source: Uprooted