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Humor first: So today we learned during the torah reading that all Yisraelim are named Phil (aka both Phils were at minyan, and got the 2 Yisraeli Aliyot). So- if everyone is named Steve, and all Yisraelim are Phil- does that make them Steve Phil? And that leaves all gentiles, kohanim and levi'im with only one name... HaHA. FOr whatever that's worth.
More seriously, I've been noticing that the bow in Aleinu, especially the was I was taught it (knee bend on Korim, straighten legs and bow from waist on Umishtakhavim, stay bowed and bend knees on umodim) keeps one's head down for a decently significant period of time, so that when I at least stand up, I get a sort of lightheaded rush for the next few words. I wonder how much that was planned into the bows by whichever rabbis put them there. I'm not sure if that sort of manipulation of sensation (which does seem appropriate to the prayer, somehow) is helpful or cheating or both. I mean- if it helps one's awareness of the prayer, that shouldn't be bad. On the other hand, if it is too much of a helping along, then it's jsut physical sensation that you're focusing on, not a spiritual experience. I don't think it's a problem- but I suppose it could be.
More seriously, I've been noticing that the bow in Aleinu, especially the was I was taught it (knee bend on Korim, straighten legs and bow from waist on Umishtakhavim, stay bowed and bend knees on umodim) keeps one's head down for a decently significant period of time, so that when I at least stand up, I get a sort of lightheaded rush for the next few words. I wonder how much that was planned into the bows by whichever rabbis put them there. I'm not sure if that sort of manipulation of sensation (which does seem appropriate to the prayer, somehow) is helpful or cheating or both. I mean- if it helps one's awareness of the prayer, that shouldn't be bad. On the other hand, if it is too much of a helping along, then it's jsut physical sensation that you're focusing on, not a spiritual experience. I don't think it's a problem- but I suppose it could be.