Often, we ignore our own internal warning signs. A small tightening of our gut, a feeling like something is a bit off, maybe even literally, a pain in the neck or a headache. We have these sensations while agreeing to doing something we don’t really want to do, or perhaps we are in the process of making a self-destructive choice out of anger or frustration that we are turning inward. It is a skill of a mature individual to be mindful enough to notice how he or she really feels, instead of dissociating in minor ways.

On amud aleph there is an incident recorded where Rav Ashi was visiting Mechoza (a metropolis south of Baghdad) and wasn’t sure what the custom was regarding reciting additional verses for the daytime Kiddush. The Gemara tells us that he recited the blessing on the wine and paused to notice if there would be gestures or acts that would indicate, one way or another, if Kiddush was concluded or more was being expected. In the end, he observed an elderly gentleman begin to drink and therefore he was able to ascertain local custom. Regarding this, he described himself as an embodiment of the first in Koheles (2:14):

A wise man has his eyes in his head

הֶחָכָם עֵינָיו בְּרֹאשׁוֹ

The common explanation of this verse is that a wise man has his focus inward; he is mindful of his motivations, choices and desired ends. (For example, see Rashi.)

However, in the context of this particular incident with Rav Ashi, it seems the verse can also be referring to a kind of awareness and mindfulness. Thus Rav Ashi was able to observe his surroundings and let it guide his behavior. 

It is odd that Rav Ashi declared that his behavior exemplified the verse. Does he really need to show off? And, was his discernment such a remarkable act of insight? This statement of Rav Ashi is cryptic and I don’t have a good answer for the questions it raises. However, I will share a partial answer that occurs to me. I do think the main theme was mindfulness. It seems Rav Ashi was trying in some way to mindfully inculcate mindfulness into his practice. Therefore, as he noticed he was mindful he declared mindfully, that he was mindful.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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