Welcome to “Battle Thursday’s,” the day in which we gain perspective, knowledge, and tools on how to battle our “Yetzer Hara” (evil inclination).
Peace of Mind is one of the biggest blessings a person can have. Most of us are stressed, anxious or sad and this is because we lack “Menucha” (peace of mind)
Logical and rational thinking shows us that since it’s impossible for a person to save himself from the difficulties and misfortunes of life, it makes sense to accept them with a positive attitude.
This is something very hard to achieve, but not impossible. We just need to turn the switch. If we operate under our animal soul (ego) the Yetzer Hara will grab onto us and make every excuse of why we should fall into desperation and gloom. If on the other hand, we give strength to our G-dly soul (selfless), we will come to look at life from an eagles eye, hovering above our circumstances. “A person who accepts calmly whatever is beyond his control is a truly wealthy person” (Mivchar Hapeninim, p.24)
A person must master the skill to accept what can’t be changed, and to work on changing what can be changed. It is unnecessary to add to our suffering.
If you feel anxious about the future, a good technique is to think “what is the worst possible scenario?” Accept it and work around it. Most of our anxiety comes from uncertainty, not knowing what will be. Confront your fears and find solutions for them.
Sometimes erroneous thoughts and illusions come to haunt us, this is a working of the Yetzer Hara, be one step ahead of it and have a plan B ready to put in place. It can be knowing a Tehillim by heart, saying the Shema Yisrael, singing a song, etc…
Stay in the moment and don’t go ahead. Deal with things as they come. Sometimes we worry and worry and it never happens.
“Want that which your Creator wants for you, this is the best approach to take.” Whatever situation you find yourself in, you will be able to find success. This attitude in life will bring much peace of mind.
Some excerpts taken from “Gateway to Happiness” by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
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