As Israel approaches another election, it’s easy to find ourselves living a little too far into the future. Following the news, imagining different outcomes, worrying about what might come next.

After years of so much uncertainty, it’s understandable that many of us feel exhausted by the anticipation alone.

I recorded this guided meditation as an invitation to pause. Not to disengage from what’s happening, or pretend the stakes aren’t real, but to find a little space between caring deeply and carrying more than we can.

Drawing on a beautiful teaching from Rabbi Tarfon about responsibility and the limits of what we can control, we’ll gently return to the body, make room for whatever we’re feeling, and reconnect with the present moment.

Whether you’re here in Israel or following events from afar, I hope this offers you a little steadiness in the days ahead.

I’m Anouk Lorie, a journalist and meditation teacher, and the host of RAW with Anouk, a podcast exploring Israel, Jewish life, identity, and the human experience of living through conflict through honest conversations and guided meditations.

If this practice resonates with you, consider subscribing to RAW with Anouk.