Do We Really Expect Results From Repenting?

Do We Really Expect Results From Repentance?

As Yom Kippur approaches us, we are asked & expected ,year in and year out, on this ONE day to repent for our wrongdoings, impure thoughts, harmful acts, and ill behaviors for the past year!  Judaism is NOT the only religion/faith to follow this thought , as other ones also have their asking of forgiveness and repentance. 

According to Merriam Webster;

the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings...

to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right

• The leader told us that we would be forgiven for our sins if we repented.
• criminals who have repented for their crimes

— sometimes + of

• We must repent of our sins/wrongdoings.

— repentance

 /rɪˈpɛntn̩s/  noun [noncount]

• His behavior is a sign of true repentance.
• a holy day of fasting, prayer, and repentance

— repentant

 /rɪˈpɛntn̩t/  adjective [more repentant; most repentant]

• He seemed genuinely repentant.
• repentant sinners

Do we really learn from asking for repentance??!!!

I question this action!  "Repenting" and asking for forgiveness is an action and NOT A THOROUGH PROCESS!

It might take affect or not in the long run, and apologizing via social media, text, a call or in person is very nice, but how long does the good and changed behavior last??!!

I think we must redefine and change-

Let's look at "rehabilitation" & " (self) reflection". 

 Rehabilitation;

the action, process, or result of rehabilitating or of being rehabilitated: such as

a : restoration especially by therapeutic means to an improved condition of physical function

also : the process of restoring a person to a drug- or alcohol-free state

b : the process of restoring someone (such as a criminal) to a useful and constructive place in society 

• the rehabilitation of prisoners

 

• a prisonrehabilitation program

c : the restoration of something damaged or deteriorated to a prior good condition 

• the rehabilitation of the neighborhood

 

• the rehabilitation of a person's reputation

Self-Reflection;

: careful thought about your own behavior and beliefs. 

: careful examination of your own behavior and beliefs to see whether they are good or bad

• the process of self-examination

Some Words Related to self-reflection

self-analysis, self-awareness, self-consciousness, self-recognition

introversion, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-involvement

self-actualization, self-discovery, self-exploration, self-fulfillment, self-realization

self-knowledge, self-revelation

self-concept, self-image, self-perception

contemplation, meditation, reflection, rumination

We,as humans learn through time and processes,and there is NO immediate gratification with the act of forgiveness, or asking there of.   It is or should be a lifelong behavior and action plan, and it's the manner in which we should live and act upon. 

I propose, in our own minds and actions, we change Yom Kippur (or any act of Repentance) to that of a day/time of REHABILITATION & REFLECTION, instead of a day/time for Repentance and asking for forgiveness!

How can we improve our behaviors, our actions towards one another, to our surrounding world, and come up, think and really delve in and actually discuss it and share it and act upon it; as my mother always used to say, and thankfully still does,  "Actions speak louder than words!"  A true plan of action is needed by all of us, otherwise it's just words.  

What's your plan? How will you incorporate Rehabilitation and Reflection in your life!   Yom Kippur, the day of Rehabilitation  & Reflection. 

A round table discussion will be planned for those who show interest.....