The Rewards of
Restriction
Of the many kabbalistic
principles, one that my father, the Rav, put the most emphasis into teaching was
the concept of restriction. Whether it’s a physical restriction like skipping
that extra slice of cake in favor of being healthier, or matters of the mind
like thinking before we speak, restriction is the key to receiving everything we
really want out of life.
The problem is that restriction doesn’t
always feel good in the beginning! That’s because restriction is like a muscle –
the more we exercise letting go of short-term gratification in exchange for long
lasting fulfillment, the better we become at it. Like the first day at a gym, we
might feel weak, hurt, or even bruised, but rest assured the results will come
with consistent effort.
The rewards of restriction are exceptionally
more valuable than that of any momentary pleasure.
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It doesn’t take much to see that talent and innate ability have little to do
with success in this world. Some of the greatest writers never make it to the
bestseller list, while some of the most talented singers continue to go unsung.
One athlete born with incredible skills might never make it to the pros.
The difference between those who enjoy success in their field and the rest of us is: Desire.
Ask yourself these questions: How hungry are you to improve? How big is your appetite for more? What are you willing to do to make your dreams come true? …How badly do you want it?
If you look at anyone you admire who is at the top of their game—the best of the best, and the legends that time will not forget—they all have one thing in common: They were willing to do whatever it takes.
The ancient kabbalists were like this, too. Their lives were lived for a purpose. They knew that revealing our soul’s potential is what reveals pure bliss.
We’re all starving for success but instead of doing the work it takes to make things happen in our lives, we find ways to fill the emptiness. It’s easier to spend an hour watching TV than it is to study. It’s easier to sleep in an extra few minutes instead of going to the gym or meditating in the mornings. It’s easier to go out with friends than to dedicate our evening to getting the project done.
Nothing worth doing is ever easy—but ask anyone who has tasted success and they will tell you, the hard work is always worth it.
Instead of filling the emptiness, stay hungry.
When you stay hungry, nothing can stop you from revealing your best …Nothing.
The difference between those who enjoy success in their field and the rest of us is: Desire.
Ask yourself these questions: How hungry are you to improve? How big is your appetite for more? What are you willing to do to make your dreams come true? …How badly do you want it?
If you look at anyone you admire who is at the top of their game—the best of the best, and the legends that time will not forget—they all have one thing in common: They were willing to do whatever it takes.
The ancient kabbalists were like this, too. Their lives were lived for a purpose. They knew that revealing our soul’s potential is what reveals pure bliss.
We’re all starving for success but instead of doing the work it takes to make things happen in our lives, we find ways to fill the emptiness. It’s easier to spend an hour watching TV than it is to study. It’s easier to sleep in an extra few minutes instead of going to the gym or meditating in the mornings. It’s easier to go out with friends than to dedicate our evening to getting the project done.
Nothing worth doing is ever easy—but ask anyone who has tasted success and they will tell you, the hard work is always worth it.
Instead of filling the emptiness, stay hungry.
When you stay hungry, nothing can stop you from revealing your best …Nothing.
72 Name of the
Week
Mem Mem Ayin
PASSION
As I meditate on this sequence of letters, I feel the power of passion filling my heart and soul. Sincerity, devotion, and yearning for connection to the Creator drive my prayers and meditations. My consciousness opens up and connects me fully to the Upper Worlds.
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