self improvement – Page 2 – The Tree of Life

Holy Discomfort

If the animal soul is neglected, as required to follow the pursuits of the godly soul, how will this affect the psyche? The soul may be nourished by the righteousness that ensues on the derech (path), when it applies itself to study and prayer. Yet, the resistance from the animal soul may manifest in unpleasant feelings, because it is being deprived of its way upon the person. So, there is the soul, with all of its attributes, divided into the godly soul, and animal soul. Yet, these two are part of the whole. Therefore, both affect the person, within the framework of mind, body, and spirt.

In a sense, the distaste that the animal soul has for things spiritual may show up as negative emotions, that wear upon the person. Is this a sign that something is wrong with the person? On the contrary, it is like the feelings and discomfort we have when fasting on Yom Kippur. We are fasting for the sake of our soul; yet, the accompanying unpleasantness of the fast are a sign that it is working, like purifying us from the dross, until we are refined.

So even that well know adage from the secular world of exercise applies: no pain, no gain. If G-d made all things holy, wholly pleasant to the soul, without any resistance from the yetzer hara (stemming from the animal soul), then it would be easy to do good, and what reward could there be for that? Rather, because of the challenges and difficulties that oppose our endeavors to follow the path of righteousness, we are rewarded, both in this life, and the World to Come.

Elul Preparation: Day 5

“Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.” – Jeremiah 31:13, JPS 1917 Tanach

When the Holy One forgives the sins of Israel, there will be cause to rejoice. The Bnei Yissacher explains that the “young” refers to the baalei teshuvah (penitents) who become like new after a complete teshuvah, returning to G-d in all their ways. The “old” refers to those who were righteous from their early years, and were able to maintain their righteousness with G-d’s grace. Both will be on the same level, so that the penitents will have the same status as those who had always been on the derech (path).

He notes that elsewhere it is mentioned how the righteous will praise their youthful years, in regard having had the opportunity to learn Yiddishkeit from an early age, preventing them from following a wayward path. Conversely, the baalei teshuvah will praise their latter years, because those years compelled then to atone for their youthful waywardness. As mentioned above, “the young and the old together” will rejoice, both those who praise their youth, and those who praise their latter years.

Referring back to the verse mentioned above, I would posit, that “the maiden” can be understood as a reference to K’lal Yisrael. The young and the old, may refer to all balei teshuvah, and those who followed the path of righteousness from the beginning of their years. So, that there is no distinction, between those who returned to G-d in their later years, and those who have always been on the derech. We will rejoice together at the Geulah when all of our sorrow will turn into joy (Psalm 126). Until then, we struggle in Olam HaZeh (This World), guarding ourselves against negative influences, and seeking reconciliation with G-d, especially during Elul.

*based on Bnei Yissacher: Elul 5

Tikkun HaNefesh: Day 2

Taming the Soul: Teshuvah & Binah

Upper teshuvah, in particular, according to the TANYA is associated with Binah; thus, it can be inferred that the cognitive powers of the attribute of Binah (Understanding) in the soul, may be used to foster teshuvah through discernment of the condition of one’s soul. May our souls reach the potential benefit designated, through a thorough reflection upon our faults, character defects, and aveiros, in order to gain more insight into our lives, for the sake of tikkun haNefesh (renewal of the soul).

To determine the state of the soul is a necessary task, especially beginning 30 days prior to Rosh HaShannah. If the soul is in disarray, its waywardness going unnoticed, now is the time to begin to make amends. Taming the soul is an endeavor that ranks in importance, higher than organizing our closets, cabinets, or files on a PC. If we take good care of our place of residence, how much more so should we invest in the purification of the soul? Namely, our souls are sanctified through observance of the mitzvoth (commandments). Yet, our character development may get neglected, like a car in need of a tune-up.

The solution is to be mindful enough throughout the day of our composure, adjusting our awareness to any neglected feelings or thoughts that are not in alignment with the ideal state of our soul. Thus, we can be reconciled to G-d, by taming our souls, day by day. We should also set aside a certain period of time, even if for only five minutes, to examine the conscience.

Gradually, we may recover our essential selves, by way of a continual teshuvah, rediscovering aspects within the framework of our character that need attention, for the sake of renewal. The month of Elul provides a thirty-day period to refine the soul in a manner befitting each of us.

Reparations of the Mind

“And it shall be righteousness unto us, if we observe to do all this commandment before the L-RD our G-d, as He hath commanded us.’” – Deuteronomy 6:29, JPS 1917 Tanach

“Your yes should be just, and your no should be just.” – Bava Metzia 49a

During the month of Elul, we should focus on preparing the heart for teshuvah. The Hebrew word, teshuvah connotes the understanding of returning to G-d, inasmuch that through a careful consideration of our ways, we should begin to make amends, for the sake of repairing the soul. As is written in the Talmud, “one should not say one matter with his mouth, and think one matter with his heart” (Bava Metzia 49a, sefaria.org). Moreover, we should not think that we are one way, namely a mensch (good person), when our speech and behavior do not represent the ideal self we would like to be.

In the Bnei Yissacher, a Chassidic text corresponding to the months of the year, the author notes, for the beginning of the month of Elul, that the Torah itself alludes to this month as a favorable time for teshuvah (repentance). He emphasizes, the importance of speaking with “a measure of righteousness,” so that speech is in accord with the truth. If we think one thing, yet say another, then we are being dishonest. Rather, we should make an effort to examine ourselves, in order to stand in our own integrity at all times.

This is not an easy task to adhere to, typically when around others, when we may be naturally inclined as human beings are, to reflect the thinking of others, rather than to assert our own convictions. Especially, in these times of social and moral confusion, standing in our integrity with an honesty of heart, and truthfulness of spirit is key.

Omer: Day 26 – Resilience in Adversity

Hod shebbe Netzach: Splendor (Humility) within Victory (Endurance)

Hod may also be rendered as humility. The quality of humility in regard to endurance may be envisioned as a bamboo tree yielding to a strong wind in a storm, signifying, that endurance in the face of life’s challenges may also require resilience. When we are able to acknowledge our limitations in the face of adversity, then we may be compelled to gather inner strength. In other words, our limitations may compel us to renew our strength through a resilient spirit.

The splendor of hod represents the light of G-d, that shines upon us when we humble ourselves in respect to Him. (We mirror his light). By recognizing our limitations, we may receive His blessing to endure, with a little help from Above. Our resilience in the face of adversity may depend upon an added measure of assistance from outside of our own resources, in order to persist with any worthy endeavor. In G-d’s eyes, when we reach out to Him, we are being dependent in a good way.

note: The counting of the Omer serves as a spiritual journey. We are called upon to leave our own personal limitations behind us, as we travel on the path of freedom, away from the influence of negativity in our lives. This is a forty-nine day journey, a self improvement plan, between Passover and Shavuot. Each of the seven weeks corresponds to one of the seven middos (character traits) that we will have the opportunity to improve upon in our lives.

My personal reflections on each day’s combination of middot are not meant to be comprehensive; they are not based upon any one particular system. Nor, may my insights be characterized as authoritative, because I am a student, not a teacher. I simply hope to inspire others to delve into an exploration of their own personality, for the sake of tikkun hanefesh (rectification of the soul).

Sovereignty of Loving-Kindness

Omer Day 7
Malchus shebbe Chesed: (Kingdom within Love)

The corresponding emotional attributes, sovereignty (autonomy, dignity, etc.) within loving-kindness are key qualities in healthy relationships. To be “there for the other person,” in essence, requires a strong sense of inner fortitude, knowing who you are, in order to relate to others from a centered awareness of one’s own identity. Maintaining healthy boundaries, by recognizing the other’s autonomy is also integral to being able to express love in an appropriate manner. Acts of kindness, done in a way that respects the other person’s dignity is important.

Our own inner worth, the value we place upon ourselves in regard to personal dignity, reflects the One whose sovereignty rules over our hearts, if we permit Him to do so. Yet, if we see ourselves as separate from G-d, then we risk narcissistic pride, that creates an illusion of ourselves as being more important than our abilities and accomplishments would indicate. The expression of love to another person from a place of self-aggrandizement may only result in posturing ourselves above the other.

Yet, in not overstepping the boundaries of the other, by accepting the other as a unique individual (sovereign, autonomous), two people in relationship to each other can coexist. This holds true for our interactions with all human beings, inasmuch that we endeavor to respect and appreciate others for whom they are. Recognizing the inherent value of our fellow human beings, can be done without diminishing ourselves; nor, on the other hand, by thinking that we are better than the other. We should not judge others; because, G-d, Who is sovereign over all is the Ultimate Judge.

This is especially true today in regard to the judging, blaming, and pointing the finger at others, as a result of the prolific influence of Woke doctrine. As soon as we start labeling people, we will be tempted to judge them. Wokism provides its own categories, based upon the Marxist view of the world as a continual interplay of power dynamics, between the oppressed and the oppressors.

Yet, as in Communism, and fostered by the cultural Marxist tenets of Wokism, eventually the oppressed become the oppressors. It is a never-ending cycle that the ideologues actually think will lead to a synthesis of opposites, culminating in a utopia. History proves that this ideology has always led to a dystopia. People who value compassion, tolerance, and respect toward others need to steer clear of these dangerous ideas.

[These are my personal reflections on the implications of today’s combination of middot (character traits). These reflections are not meant to be comprehensive, inasmuch that they are not based upon any one particular system. Nor, may these ideas be characterized as authoritative, because I profess to being a student, not a teacher. I hope to inspire others to delve into an exploration of their personality, for the sake of tikkun hanefesh (rectification of the soul)].

Soul Renewal: Changes Along the Journey of Life

“Some people will remain with us on our journey when we change; others will not.” – Tzvi Fievel Schnee

As I change, from time to time, over certain periods of my life, the adage that was made known to me, personally, by the founders of PD Seminars, at The Haven in British Columbia has become realized: I was told that some people would draw closer to me, and others would move further away from me. It is as if I can add this statement to my “facts of life” list, if indeed I had a facts of life list to begin with, written down somewhere in my personal journal. Yet, I never even though about beginning a list like that until now. The reason that I have even brought up this issue, is based upon my noticing that every once in a while, my Instagram account loses a follower: it is as if to say, that it is a fact of life for those who post on Instagram and other social media platforms; of course, this could apply to any other social media platform. Although I cannot be sure, I make the generalization with some certainty, despite any statistics; therefore, I hope that what I have mentioned in this specific post of mine, may be of some consolation to others.

The Inward Focus

“Look to yourselves,” we would like to say to others, when we see others casting blame upon people, institutions, and society at large. Yet, for the sake of our own benefit, we should not avoid “looking toward ourselves.” The Ten Days of Awe, for all intents and purposes, are a time of increased reflection upon our faults, errors, and sins, with the aim of bringing these into the light, and asking forgiveness. Additionally, on Yom Kippur, our atonement is sought through even more intense prayer, and H’Shem willing, bestowed upon us, so that we can begin the new year with the renewal of our souls, having been cleansed through a sincere teshuvah. Thus, our inward focus on improving ourselves, is rewarded by H’Shem, in acknowledgment of our efforts to change from within; and, having been relieved of our guilty conscience, we can experience the joy of Sukkot.

“Let us search and examine our ways, and turn back to the L-RD.”

– Lamentations 3:40, JPSN

Rearrangement

reflections: Likutei Amarim, middle of chapter 29

If we return to H’Shem, He will return to us (Malachi 3:7, Jeremiah 29:12). As we follow through with a sincere teshuva (repentance; literally, “turning”) in our lives, H’Shem will meet us halfway, in our efforts to return to Him through a thorough shift in our values, and lifestyle. We should examine ourselves each day for the sake of rooting out past sinful habits. Our thoughts should be examined as well as our emotions. Only with help from Above, may we purge ourselves of the accumulation of spiritual darkness that surrounds us as a result of our transgressions. B’ezrach H’Shem.

Thus, this is an ongoing process; additionally, there are levels of teshuvah, inasmuch that the more we change over time, the more we are able to better recognize our faults and make amends for them. This is spiritual progress, based upon an inward desire to cleanse the soul: even to the extent that we may be free, figuratively speaking, from the mire wherein we would otherwise sink. King David’s concern for his sanctity is a positive example, as he said, “My sin is constantly before me,” inasmuch that his recollection of past sins kept him humble and served as a reminder against committing these types of sins in the future.

If only we could be so careful as to recognize that all aspects of our life should fall under the guidance of Torah. In like manner that the Kings of Israel were required to keep a copy of the Torah at hand all of the time, who are we to think that we can do as we please, regardless of the guidelines given to us for a life of sanctity. For the sake of character development, one method of travailing in sincere efforts to change, would be to focus upon a single fault, making an effort to root that out of our lives. There is no better time than now; and no need to put off this resolution.

motzei Shabbos: Bereishis 5782

parashas Bereishis 5782

parashas Bereishis, plus a brief introduction to Noach.

G-d’s Divine Attributes, Imitatio Dei, mankind’s raison d’etre.

Middos (character traits); both negative and positive examples,

as exemplified within the narrative of the Book of Genesis.