"Instinctual Impulse" \ Day 16 \ 30 Days to Teshuvah
"The second aspect, which is also within a person's control, concerns the improvement of one's Divine Service, within the framework of his current spiritual status -- particularly during the Ten Days of Repentance.
Regarding this, the essential principle is to reflect on one's ways and to see to it that he at least observes the easier parts of a precept. By following this procedure he will save himself from the graver aspects of that particular misdeed."
(Ohr Yisrael, Letter Six).
On Day Eleven we learned that a person should go beyond his current spiritual status and devote himself totally to HaShem. Today we are saying the opposite: improve your spiritual status within the confines of your present level of devotion. How can we resolve these two divergent approaches?
Just as a person is equipped with the "survival instinct," he can also awaken within himself an instinct for "spiritual survival." Although he can transcend his normal spiritual level if he is so inspired, even minimal effort can evoke change and reap significant benefits. We need only examine our current spiritual situation, and map out a course of action that follows the "path of least resistance."
For instance, for one person an "easy Mitzvah" is to drop a coin in the charity box; for someone else it is smiling when he speaks to his wife; another person might start kissing the Mezzuzah when he leaves his home.
The Ten Days of Repentance is a unique opportunity to gain forgiveness for our past misdeeds. If we take advantage of this time we will save ourselves from the bitter consequences of our inappropriate actions.
Even if we are not striving for "total transformation," there are countless "easy" Mitzvot we can do within the context of our current status of our Mitzvah commitment.
Tip -- Make a list of the Mitzvot that you could easily perform within the framework of your current spiritual level.
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