Jewish mysticism offers a fascinating perspective on this, connecting our struggles with the very structure of the cosmos.

We’re talking about a concept called hachazarah (החזרה), which means "the return" or "the arousal of the return." And it's all tied to a really intriguing image: the "folding up of the legs."

What does that even mean?

Well, according to the text Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, this "folding up" isn't just some random act. It's what allows the vessels – think of them as containers or instruments – to regain their strength and ascend. It's the hachazarah, this powerful force of return, that makes it possible. It's almost like a cosmic reset button. When the legs folded, they gave the vessels the power to return and go back up. The folding of the legs came about through the power of the arousal of the return (החזרה, hachazarah), and this arousal also reached the vessels that were dependent upon them, and they too ascended.

So, the question is, what's the connection to us?

This idea of ascent and return is central to Kabbalah, and it speaks to our own journeys of growth and transformation. We often experience setbacks, moments where we feel like we're collapsing or folding inward. But it's precisely in those moments, when we allow ourselves to turn inward, to reflect, and to return to our core values, that we find the strength to rise again.

Now, here's where it gets even more interesting. The text goes on to say that Arich Anpin (of the first Atzilut) is the root of everything. Atzilut, meaning "Emanation," is one of the four worlds in Kabbalistic thought, and Arich Anpin, meaning "Long Face" or "Long Patience," is one of the divine personas.

But what does Arich Anpin have to do with these vessels?

The answer is surprisingly simple, yet profound: Arich Anpin is the root of everything. Therefore, these vessels must also be rooted in Arich Anpin. Everything, even our ability to return and ascend, ultimately originates from the Divine. Arich Anpin embodies patience, compassion, and the long view. It's the source of all creation, the foundation upon which everything else is built. So, even when we're feeling lost or broken, we can take comfort in knowing that we're still connected to that source. The idea is that if we have patience, we can start again. We can ascend again.

So, the next time you feel like you're folding inward, remember the power of hachazarah, the arousal of return. Remember that even in those moments of apparent collapse, you have the potential to rise again, rooted in the boundless patience and compassion of Arich Anpin. It’s a powerful reminder that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities for renewal and growth. And who knows? Maybe folding inwards, reflecting, is exactly what you need to ascend even higher.