Music can play games with your emotions. In a single song, you can be lifted to the greatest heights of joy, only to tumble as the lyrics or melody tugs at your heartstrings, evoking deep nostalgia or even pain.

The Levites in the Temple were masters ofWhat should you do with the passion? music so intense that it induced opposite emotions simultaneously, known as “Ratzo and Shuv” (“running and returning”). Their holy service of creating music was symbolic of the delicate dance between yearning for spirituality (“running”), yet channeling the passion into doing a physical mitzvah (“returning”).

First comes the “running.” You learn about G‑d, and you meditate about how “in His presence, everything is considered nothing.” You see through the facade of this physical world, and you want to be free from all the dishonesty and selfishness surrounding you. Your soul is on fire with love of G‑d, and you relate oh so well to the verse in Psalms, “My soul thirsts for you.”

But what should you do with the passion? What should you do with your desire to be spiritual?

Channel all that inspiration back into a pragmatic action, like giving a coin to charity. You’re taking all that fiery enthusiasm, and instead of escaping the world, making a U-turn right back into it. This stage is known as “returning,” when you channel the passion into doing actual physical mitzvahs. This is why the Mishnah states: “Against your will, you live.” Your soul may prefer to be free from this world and expire, but G‑d wants it to remain here and serve Him with the beautiful world He created.

But then, you may get too comfortable. As you go about your day, tending to practical “To Do” lists, you may forget your fire. The Mishnah reminds you: “Against your will, you die.”

It implies freedom from the constraints of the body. When you have lost interest and desire in spirituality, it’s time to transcend your body again and begin to meditate about G‑d, allowing your soul to go for a “run.”

Just don’t forget to channel your passion.

Tanya Bit: Life is a cycle of creating inspiration and then directing it towards action.

(Inspired from Chapter 50 of Tanya)