E Mussar - Sabedoria para o Crescimento Pessoal: SF - # The Fragility of Material Shortcuts

In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Yaacov Granitzky:

With heartfelt gratitude, we wish you and your family bracha, hatzlacha, and abundant nachas!

This passage from Chovot HaLevavot (Sha’ar HaBitachon) highlights the psychological and physical prison created by relying on worldly "shortcuts" (alchemy) versus the liberation of trusting in HaShem.

Core Idea: The Fragility of Material Shortcuts

The alchemist—or anyone who relies solely on their own cleverness to secure wealth—lives a life of profound insecurity. Even if they succeed in "making gold," their success is their greatest liability. They are forced to hide their craft in shadows, fearing that the government or greedy individuals will discover their secret. Ultimately, their wealth does not accompany them to their end, and HaShem—the "Ruler of all"—may allow that very secret to become the instrument of their downfall by placing them at the mercy of those who would kill for it.

The Moral

True independence is not found in a secret bank account, a "perfect" investment, or a hidden advantage. Those things require constant protection and invite anxiety. Real freedom is found in Bitachon (Trust), which provides a security that no thief can steal and no king can confiscate.

Application Exercises

To shift from the "Alchemist's Anxiety" to the "Trusting Heart," try these three exercises:

1. The "Open Hand" Audit (Identifying Alchemy)

We all have "alchemy"—things we think we must have or do to be okay (e.g., a specific connection, a hidden side-hustle, or a certain image we project).

The Action: Identify one area where you are "hiding" your efforts or feeling overly protective/anxious about your source of income or status.
The Goal: Consciously acknowledge: "I put in the effort, but this source is just a tool. The Source is HaShem." Practice being slightly more transparent or generous in that area to break the "secrecy" trap.

2. The "Fear Replacement" Protocol (Mental Pivot)

The alchemist fears that "the Ruler of all will give power over him to someone who will put him to death." This is the ultimate fear of losing control.

The Action: When a financial or personal worry arises, stop and say the phrase: "The Ruler of all is the only one with power."
The Goal: Replace the fear of "the person/event that can hurt me" with the realization that even that person/event is under HaShem’s control. If He is for you, who can be against you?

3. The "Wealth of the Heart" Walk (Physical Security)

The Ba’al Bitachon walks safely because his wealth is internal.

The Action: Go for a 5-minute walk without your phone or wallet.
The Goal: As you walk, focus on the fact that your value and your sustenance are guaranteed by your relationship with the Creator, not by the items you carry or the "gold" you have stored. Feel the physical lightness of not having to "guard" your security for a few moments.