“The American Standard translation orders men to triumph over sin, and you can call sin ignorance. The King James translation makes a promise in ‘Thou shalt,’ meaning that men will surely triumph over sin. But the Hebrew word, the word timshel—‘Thou mayest’— that gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world. That says the way is open. That throws it right back on a man. For if ‘Thou mayest’—it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.’ Don’t you see?”

…

“It is easy out of laziness, out of weakness, to throw oneself into the lap of deity, saying, ‘I couldn’t help it; the way was set.’ But think of the glory of the choice! That makes a man a man. A cat has no choice, a bee must make honey.”

…

“And I feel that a man is a very important thing—maybe more important than a star. This is not theology. I have no bent toward gods. But I have a new love for that glittering instrument, the human soul. It is a lovely and unique thing in the universe. It is always attacked and never destroyed— because ‘Thou mayest.’”

~ spoken by Lee (character),  John Steinbeck, East of Eden
   [boldface added by Erika M. Schreck]

One of my favorite books is John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. I’ve read it at least three times so far in my lifetime and have learned never to lend this book, as I’ve lost at least two copies to borrowers. Near the end of this classic read, the discussion in this text of timshel, a Hebrew term sometimes translated as “thou mayest” [I need to note that outside of Steinbeck’s beautiful work, there are varying opinions and translations] has always moved me and has more recently been on my mind, and, in a recent reiki session, this beautiful word appeared as a message for my client, as well.

Where we come from—our places, our childhoods, our parents, some difficult life circumstances—undeniably shapes us but need not define us. I say these words with a sigh and very carefully. Recently, I realized some more unhealthy patterns that I reignited and can trace these tendencies to deep trails, learned patterns, in my lineage. I’ve also noticed in some tough conversations with some of my family and friends who are in depressed states that they feel stuck, that life will just keep dumping on them, that there’s not a way to improve circumstances. I’m reminded that at any time—literally, any friggin’ time—we can do things differently. But it comes down to choice; we do always have choices, even when the options don’t seem great at the time.

I’m guilty of getting stuck, too. When I realize that I’m venting about the way certain people have treated me, in recent years I’m keener on owning the fact that I have a choice. I may choose to limit communication or time with a person. I may choose to say no. I may even choose to do nothing and continue to witness a similar, irritating pattern. Free will. Choices. What are we really destined for, if we’re not making choices for our highest good? Our paths light up and seem to show us the way when we choose patterns and people who align with our being, but we are taking the steps and determining the direction (even if influenced, guided).

After I settled my father’s estate and realized that death teaches the living great lessons, I just knew I had to make starkly different decisions, which led to my leaving my entire family and a good network of friends and moving on my own to Colorado 10 years ago, driving a 15-foot moving truck and towing my car on a trailer. For me, I needed a whole new context, some isolation, a life shake-up, getting-out-of-my-comfort-zone to see the vast options for my life. I’ve done a lot of growing and discovered a healthier, happier self. While we may not always need something as huge as a state-to-state move to help us see things differently and recognize that life can actually look and feel more open, perhaps healthier, sometimes we need a nudge from somewhere (perhaps even from ourselves) to better examine our options, especially if we’re stuck. It’s important to remember we’re not alone; we gain perspective from others, even if we don’t agree.

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”
~Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way)

Choices can seem overwhelming but can be amazingly freeing. Revel in the possibilities.

I’ll close with a video from the musical talents Mumford and Sons, who actually wrote a song with the title “Timshel,” inspired by Steinbeck’s East of Eden and the discussion of the book’s main characters. Just click on the link below for “Timshel,” Mumford and Sons.

“Timshel,” Mumford and Sons

© 2012 Erika M. Schreck. All rights reserved.