So, let’s talk about distractions. Not the usual ones like the latest Netflix series or the infinite scroll of social media, but the kind of distractions that sneak up on you when you’re trying to focus on the important stuff—like, you know, your spiritual growth and connection with the Divine. The kind that the *Duties of the Heart* warns us about, courtesy of the ever-persistent yetzer hara (that pesky evil inclination).
Here’s the scenario: You’ve finally set aside some time to pray or study Torah, and you’re ready to dive deep into that spiritual work. You’ve been running around all day with work, errands, maybe even some quality time with family or friends. But now, it’s time for you and HaShem. Sounds great, right? Except, just as you’re about to start, your brain decides it’s the perfect time to remind you of every single thing you need to do, have done, or should have done differently. Suddenly, you’re not thinking about the words in front of you but about that email you forgot to send or whether you remembered to pay that bill.
The yetzer hara is like that really annoying coworker who just can’t resist interrupting you right when you’re in the zone. You know the type—they always seem to know the exact moment when you’ve finally hit your stride and then swoop in with, “Hey, did you hear about the latest office drama?” In this case, the drama is your worldly worries—business dealings, debts, investments, or even that argument you had with a friend.
And it doesn’t stop there. The yetzer hara is crafty. If your mind isn’t easily distracted by mundane concerns, it’ll pull out the big guns: riddles, complex questions, or even philosophical dilemmas. It’ll have you contemplating the finer points of a debate or strategizing your next move in a hypothetical chess game, all while your prayer book lies open and neglected.
But here’s the thing—these distractions aren’t just about pulling your attention away from your spiritual practice. They’re about undermining your entire effort. When you’re mentally and spiritually scattered, you might be going through the motions, but you’re not truly present. Your body is ready, but your heart and mind are elsewhere. And that’s exactly what the yetzer hara wants. It wants you to be physically present but spiritually absent, to fulfill the letter of your obligations while completely missing the spirit.
So what’s the solution? Well, the first step is recognizing what’s happening. It’s like realizing you’re in a bad movie and deciding to walk out before you waste more time. When you notice your mind drifting, don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, gently bring your focus back to where it should be. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness and effort.
Remember that the yetzer hara thrives on chaos and distraction. It wants you to feel overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists and what-ifs that swirl around in your head. But you have the power to choose what you focus on. Yes, those concerns are real, and they’ll still be there after your prayer or study session. But by giving yourself permission to set them aside, even for just a little while, you’re reclaiming control over your spiritual life.
And let’s be real—sometimes it’s easier said than done. There will be days when distractions win, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep coming back, to keep showing up for your spiritual practice, even when it feels like an uphill battle. The more you practice this mindfulness, the easier it becomes to tune out the noise and focus on what truly matters.
So next time you find your mind wandering during a moment of prayer or study, remember that you’re not alone. This is an age-old struggle, and it’s one that everyone faces. The key is persistence and patience—with yourself and with the process. Keep bringing your focus back, keep pushing aside those distractions, and keep striving for that connection with HaShem.
In the end, it’s about finding balance. Yes, we live in a world full of responsibilities and distractions, but that doesn’t mean we can’t carve out sacred spaces for ourselves. It’s not about shutting out the world completely but about creating boundaries so that when it’s time to connect with the Divine, you can do so wholeheartedly. And if the yetzer hara tries to mess with that, just remember—you’ve got the tools to outsmart it.
In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.
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