A Sensitive Conversation
Our Sages caution us to refrain from reminding a Ba'al Teshuvah (a person who has returned to Judaism) about his past. This sensitive tenet has far-reaching and important implications. Specifically, when it comes to spiritual growth, a person is considered a new creation. Therefore, his old ways are of no significance. At the same time, his self-esteem is as delicate as a crystal goblet. These two reasons make it very clear why it is toally inappropriate to remind others of their past. The same rule applies to ourselves: never put yourself down.
Lesson: By choosing not to remind others -- or ourselves -- about the past, we create the healthy and supportive atmosphere needed to grow spiritually stronger. Eventually we will rectify our past through self-improvement and good deeds.
Visualization: Envision that each person is walking on a path away from the past, and headed towards the future. He comes to a river that he cannot pass. Imagine yourself leading him across the river so that he advances into the future filled with light, hope, and strength. In order to schedule a ten-minute consultation with Rabbi Zvi Miller, via skype or phone, send email request to salantorg@gmail.com | 
