Spiritual growth

[Chana2]

After listening to Rav Cohen's classes on Mesillat Yesharim, which I truly enjoy, I sometimes find that I feel there is so much I need to work on that I can't even come close to reaching the first step of Mesillat Yesharim, of z'hirus.  Any comments on how to start this spiritual growth plan that truly accomplishes without feeling overwhelmed?

[Tzippy2]

The Messilat Yesharim talks describes the person wh has reached the level of z'hirus.  We haven't gotten there yet, so hearing about how the 'finished product ' looks can be intimidating.  What we need to do is break down the lessons Rabbi Cohen is bringing out, and make them into manageable baby steps in our journey.

[Hally2]

Sometimes I really struggle with this same issue in terms of all Mussar. In seminary I had to stop taking a Mussar class because it was almost depressing at times. I think its great if Mussar works for some people, but for others more positive focuses may be more productive.

[Tzippy2]

When learning mussar, we must try to keep perspective.  Yes, the lessons are sometimes difficult to hear, but we cannot deny their truth.  At the same time, if we dwell on them too heavily, we will become frozen by depression.  SO we need to listen, be inspired, take a practical application of the lessons learned to our lives, and then remind ourselves that we have greatnesss within us, we just need to tap into it.  We must focus on the successes we have made so that e can be empowered to grow further.

[Chana2]

Thanks for the insightful comments. I heard that a good way to start working on oneself is to try to focus on one small aspect of the day, like making sure to say one blessing with true concentration every day. The consistency of one small action will have stronger effects than trying to completely change an entire personality trait in a short period of time.

[Hally2]

I like that idea Chana. Thanks so much for sharing! I think its very necessary to work on ourselves, but each person has a unique way to do this. For some that's hearing a class on mussar, for others that's picking a new mitzvah each week to focus and work on. I think it all depends on where you are coming from and the type of person you are.

[Fraidi1]

Very often we fall into routine of mundane life, and don't progress in our personal program for growth.  How do we keep up the drive to remain moving spiritually?  Even if we choose something small, after a while it can be forgotten and fall by the wayside.

[Hally2]

Fradi,

Good question! My husband and I refer to ways to keep up our spirituality as "personal propaganda". Meaning we try to incorporate new and exciting things into our religious practices in order to inspire ourselves. This can be learning a new zemer at the Shabbos table, going to hear a Torah lecture, reading a Torah inspiring book together, or going to a nature reserve and reflecting on Hashem's awesomeness. Its different for everyone, but we all need to remember that in order to remain "spiritual inspired" we need to work on it- it does not just come to us on its own! Thanking Hashem out loud constantly is something that also helps. I know reading about tzaddikim and tzadikot helps me too. Right now I'm reading "Holy Woman" by Sara Yocheved Rigler. Its truly one amazing book that has continued to inspire me the whole way through. Good luck!

[Batya]

I also loved that book!  Great post Hally, very helpful advice.

[Amanda1]

I just learned an interesting vort on staying inspired. Rebbe Nachman used to say that he would constantly serve Gd anew. So even when you fall, which can be something as minor as I forgot to daven mincha today or I didnt feel like davening mincha today we can strengthen ourselves by deciding to start anew in our relationship. New starts are always inspiring and exciting, so if we can have this thought in mind when we feel like we are lagging spiritually it can help put us into a new inspirational mode.