One of the most harrowing pictures I ever saw appeared in Newsweek. The camera caught a glimpse into a life that had, in many senses, vanished before it even began. A child, who could not have been more than three or four years old, was carrying building materials. We would call him a pre-schooler; in today's Sudan, he ― and his parents ― are slaves.
He can be purchased by just about anyone; someone looked at him and saw two arms that will grow larger and stronger. It is not likely that they saw a mind or a soul. In the Newsweek interview, the child had no idea of the name of his country or his village. Looking at him from my home in Jerusalem, I mourned for his childhood far more than he did. I silently wished that he would somehow be able to return to himself and learn that he is more than his two strong arms.
Our thoughtless enslavement to mindless routine can leave us without much of a relationship to our souls.
In the course of our lives, we close doors to higher and deeper selves and sometimes forget that we, too, are more than earners, spenders, and travelers through life. Our thoughtless enslavement to mindless routine can leave us without much of a relationship to our souls. In a materialistic society, it is all too easy to view others as competitors. As toddlers we observed that when you have three cookies and give one away, all you have left are two. From that point onward we are afraid to give.
The problem is that the soul, unlike the body, thrives on giving, and on the love that is its offspring.
We also tend to become so self-involved that the God we all intuitively knew as children (children almost always believe in God, unless they are taught not to) becomes more and more removed from our moment-to-moment consciousness. We act as though we are more than mere creations. This alters our sense of dependency on the Creator and the concomitant realization that we are beloved recipients of endless free gifts. We end up amoral, with no one to account to for our lives. Like the child in Newsweek, we don't know where we are or who we could be.
The solution is teshuva, which means "return" (not "repentance" or "becoming more religious"). Through teshuva we learn to re-establish a relationship as God's creations. It is a way in which we learn who we are, and where we are.
How does it work? There are three primary steps. Let's go through them one by one.
Confession
The first step is confession to God. In concrete terms, this means examining our lives and honestly admitting to our mistakes and to the possibility of having wasted opportunities for growth.
One method of doing this is to divide your life into eras (childhood, teen years, young adulthood, marriage, career, parenting, middle-age, etc). Spend time with a notebook going over each era. The question you should be asking yourself is: "What did I learn from this?" ― not: "How did I feel?" nor: "Whose fault is it?" which are ultimately irrelevant to our process.
We can examine the effects of our positive experiences ― e.g. When I volunteered in the special ed camp, I learned that people are beautiful in more ways than I had ever known. Or the effects of negative ones ― e.g., When I see my mother's face today, as I review what happened when I was 16, after I said what I knew would pierce her as deeply as a knife would, I know how empowering destruction feels, and how damaging it is for all of us.
This process can take a few hours, and might be wise to divide over several days. When you finish, review what you have learned. When you look at the negative things you have done, look for patterns. Is impulsivity the reason that you made bad choices? Perhaps the culprit is an insatiable need to find validation. (Remember, if this is the case, we are not out to blame anyone. We are out to discover our highest and most authentic self.)
Once you have a sense of what the patterns look like, you can confess not only the actions that you now regret, but also the underlying causes of choosing those actions.
With teshuva, God opens doors that we may have locked years ago, erasing the negative impact of our choices.
The purpose of this confession is not to tell God something that He doesn't know. It is to help us regain our identity, by seeing ourselves as we are, and asking God to help us heal the damage we have done to ourselves.
We can't erase the imprint of our choices, but God created teshuva even before He created the world. It is the one creation that is not locked into the rule that "time only flows in one direction." When we do teshuva honestly, God reverses time and opens doors that we may have locked years ago, erasing the negative impact of our choices.
Regret
The second step is regret, which entails a disassociation with negative patterns to the point where they are demystified and repugnant. Let us look at two scenarios to understand why regret is so essential to the process of return.
Scenario 1: Howie was a relentless hunter. As a college student, his prey was any girl who attracted him. As he grew older, he realized that he wanted the stability of married life and settled down with Bev. Last week he met Mark, his old roomie, in the airport waiting area. They both were headed to Detroit on a plane that was delayed. As they caught up with each other and reminisced about their college days, Howie waxed nostalgic about his macho conquests.
Scenario 2: Same beginning as Scenario 1, but with one critical difference: One evening after the kids had gone to bed, Bev opened up to him and told him how other men had treated her like an object, and how she had never trusted anyone until she met him. That night Howie couldn't sleep. He realized how much disillusion and distrust he had sowed, and how much pain he had left behind him. When he met Mark later in the week, the last thing he wanted to bring up was his past. It was something he had to deal with, and the time and place was certainly not the airport lobby.
Regret leads to release from self-limiting behavior. Guilt leads to paralysis.
Regret and guilt are not the same thing. Guilt creates paralysis. Regret creates redefinition. Guilt is passive - e.g. I can't deal with this right now. I think I'll eat chocolate and go to sleep. Regret is active (eventually Howie called his rabbi and asked about what the next step should be). Regret leads to release from the prison of self-limiting behavior. Guilt goes nowhere, and is so unpleasant that we tend to blame anyone available ― just to liberate ourselves from its violent grip on our souls.
Resolution To Change
The third step is making changes within you that are so real that the old patterns will slowly fade. Eventually the day will come when old choices are just plain unappealing. This is analogous to our no longer biting a friend who annoyed us as was our practice at the age of two.
How do we change our patterns? There are various ways that are recommended by different sages over the course of the centuries. None of them are meant to be "The Only Way." Use whatever works for you, and recognize that as you change, methods that worked at one time in your life may not work forever. You will need to change methods now and again.
Method 1: Daily Accounting
This method was developed by the 19th century Baalei Mussar (ethicists):
- 1. Once you identify your patterns, and you sense which traits are the underlying cause of your errors, learn as much about the trait as you can. For example, if you find that time and again anger has been the cause of misjudgments that you regret profoundly, try reading Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's book "Anger: The Inner Teacher." If there are several problematic traits, you may have a lot of reading to do.
If you spend serious time in transit, listening to the many lectures available [see aishaudio.com] on almost any trait may be a very worthwhile investment.
The point of gathering information is to find a sentence that really resonates. This should become your mantra, so to speak. Using anger as our example, the phrase "Don't be reactive. Be the person you want to be" may speak to you. (It speaks to me.) If you wish to work on several traits, you will have several sentences.
2. Get a notebook. (That makes you feel good already!) If you are working on four traits, begin by structuring four pages as follows: On the top of the page write your key phrase. Underneath it, divide the page into seven sections, leaving a large margin on the left side of the page. Write the days of the week on top of the seven sections. In the left-side margin, write the name of the traits you are working on ― e.g. Anger, Dishonesty, Insensitivity, Arrogance. (Notice that I have presented the traits negatively rather than positively. The first one on the list is the trait that matches the key phrase on top of the page.)
3. Every day of "week one," look at the key phrase first thing in the morning. Repeat it a number of times. At the end of the day, pencil in the number of times you forgot that phrase in the course of the day, by writing one dot for each error. Even though you are not dealing with traits 2-4 as intensely this week, review your day and write in the number of slip-ups that have taken place.
4. The next week, put the first trait on the bottom and move the second trait to the top, so that within a four-week span, you would have had each trait as the central one on the list.
5. Does it seem childish? Yes! Does it work? Yes ― and with startling rapidity. Within 40 days, you will begin to see dramatic results, even with traits that you have lived with your entire life. Of course if you don't continue the process, the results fade, but it is an amazing method.
Method 2: Maimonides' Method
- 1. Picture yourself in a moment of failure due to your inability (or lack of desire) to overcome whatever negative trait(s) are the source of your difficulties. Now picture yourself responding to the same situation in an entirely different way. It is important to actually visualize these two scenes so that the emotional self, which is moved by imagery, will be as involved as the intellectual self.
2. Ask a critical question: Since the gap between how I would like to respond and how I actually respond is so great, what can I do concretely today to narrow the gap? For example, if I tend to fly off the handle when my plans are ruined by other people's choices, today I can decide that no matter how upset I am, I won't raise my voice. Although I have not yet come close to saying only the correct response, or judging people favorably, this is, however a good first step.
3. Be careful to see that the steps are small enough to be comfortably attainable, and big enough to actually generate change.
4. Once you are at home with the first step, be sure to take a second step.
5. Go beyond where you would like to be. For instance, if your problem is anger, aim at serenity, not merely at "not losing my temper."
There are two advantages to this method. One is that it works, with rare regressions. Secondly, you are working from the "outside in," which allows you to be less defensive than if you had to confront your devils directly. The "disadvantage" is that, as you can see, this requires a long-term commitment.
Method 3: Turn to God
The third method is radically different than the other two. It is the method recommended most by the Hassidic masters.
Turn to God directly, openly, passionately, in your own language.
Don't focus on yourself. Don't chart your behavior. Turn to God directly, openly, passionately, in your own language. Ask Him to free you from the prison you have erected around yourself. Tell Him where you have been, what you have done, and how you now know that you have done great harm to yourself and to others. Tell Him about the times you have tried to change and failed, and how you now acknowledge that He loves you and has given you life, and that only He can help you.
Make this a daily practice in which you include Him in every aspect of your journey.
The last month of the Hebrew calendar, Elul, is called the Month of Compassion and Forgiveness. It is a time when we have more capacity to draw close to the Almighty than any other month of the year. It is a time when we can return. As Rosh Hashana approaches, let us use the time to also approach other people with compassion, and see them in the way that we ourselves would want to be seen by God. Let us ask forgiveness from those whom we have wronged, and by doing this, fill our world with compassion and grace.
In memory of my father, George Herman Kestel |
(28) Denise Pretorius, September 16, 2012 9:50 PM
This is so easy with God as our email
With this wisdom i want to put it to action!!!
(27) anonymous, August 24, 2009 11:05 AM
Thank you!
What a great article and what great advice. I am going to put it to action. I also like that I asked Hashem for help to get rid of my potty mouth and the very issue is written in the other Aish article this month of Elul. Here, in your article is the step by step instruction to help me rid myself of this negative character trait. Wow! Two pertainent articles in the same week. I am grateful to you Rebbetzen Heller! Thank you.
(26) Daisy, August 24, 2009 12:18 AM
Very useful
Thank you for this great article which I printed out so I can use it in preparation for the High Holidays. The only thing I disagree with (with all due respect) is method 3 which says that we should turn to God and ask Him to do the work for us. I think we should ask God to help us but not as a substitute for the very hard work requred for self improvement. The article presents prayer iis an alternative to focusing on our behavior, but I don't believe there are any shortcuts in the area of spiritual growth. Hashem does perform miracles for us but only after we've put in 100% effort.. So I think method 3 should be used in addition to and not instead of methods 1 & 2.
(25) FERNANDO, August 23, 2009 6:53 PM
THIS IS GREAT WISDOM!!!
Well!!! i thank you my dear Rabbi REBBETZIN for your marvellous contribution to my spiritual life.Remain blessed.Best of regards to you and yours.Shalom!!!
(24) Rebbetzin Geltman, August 23, 2009 4:31 PM
How Inspiring
You have helped me, the simple run-of-the-mill Jew, to face my shortcomings during this potent time of the year with with your trademark blend of wit, down to earth advice and profound Torah scholarship. I have been challenged my entire life with issues such as overeating, self abuse, relationships, and yes, even children and grandchildren. Toddlers. Chocolate. Newsweek. Sometimes it seems that you know my every feeling and thought. How is it possible?
(23) Jayne, September 28, 2008 6:31 PM
Very Thorough
Thank-you for sharing this. I particularly loved the explanation on regret, I now know how to effectively use this tool to check my behaviour and 'return' to God. How is Teshuva different fom 'repentance' ?
(22) Tiffany, August 30, 2008 8:45 AM
Very Moving
This article has moved me in the direction of change that I have been longing for for many years. I look forward to applying what I learned from this reading and to seeing change that's long overdue. Thank You
(21) Gisele, September 17, 2007 2:48 PM
what an insighful article on true Teshuva.
This will help us to do genuine Teshuva, and really understand one's transgressions, and try to improve one another. Also we should only partake in True Michalah, if one is not sincere in asking for forgiveness, and giving forgiveness. Shanah Tovah- to one and all.
(20) Pam, September 11, 2007 3:55 AM
Wow.
This article is outstanding. It moved me to tears, thinking about the work I have ahead of me, and the responsibility to change. Her advice is very thorough and detailed. Just wonderful.
Thank you, Rebbetzin Heller!
(19) Andria, September 10, 2007 12:47 PM
This article is very helpful.
(18) Anonymous, September 6, 2007 6:11 AM
Just beautiful..
I AM REALLY AFRAID OF THE INTROSPECTIONS OF ROSH HASHANA AND THE EIGHT DAYS ACCOUNTING PERIOD TO ..YOM KIPPUR..
BUT THIS ARTICLE IS SO INSPIRING
(17) suzy, August 20, 2007 4:51 AM
great information on the 3 step resolution to change.
In regards to children, they probrably have to be taught about G-d, but it's amazing how they're able to accept it eventhough it's not tangible.
Of course kids accept santa too, but they see what he looks like. Where as with G-d, kids don't see what He looks like and yet they still accept Him. I think it's because they recently came from the next world. Plus, kids are more open to the fact that anything is possible.
(16) DrI.A.Madu, September 4, 2006 11:53 AM
The articles are very interesting
Thanks for the information
(15) JocelynRoberts, September 4, 2006 12:54 AM
Do Children Intuitively Believe in God?
I'm just curious about the author's comment (an aside, at that) that children "often inuitively believe in God, unless taught not to." I don't think that I ever "intuitively" believed in God as a child. I had no concept of God as my parents never spoke of "God."
At the same time, neither was I taught "not to believe in God." My parents didn't say that God didn't exist, or that God was dead, but they just never mentioned God.
Does the author have some other material she could point to as resources for this topic or perhaps a comment on this topic?
Thank you for listening.
Shalom,
Jocelyn
(14) CantorRonLi-Paz, September 3, 2006 8:34 PM
Simple Wisdom
What a wonderful article for this time in our calendar. I wish the author and her readers an extraordinary Elul and a shanah of peace and health.
(13) JulieBrooker, September 3, 2006 11:28 AM
Re: Three Steps to Genuine Change
This article has been most inspiring, as we all could use a change within ourselves.
(12) Andy, September 3, 2006 9:55 AM
INSPIRING ARTICLE BUT TROUBLED BY SEEMINGLY FALSE STATEMENT
"children almost always believe in God, unless they are taught not to)"
How do you come to that cocnclusion., It seems to me that children need to be taught to believe. Abraham figured it out himself,but that he was the exception.
(11) Anonymous, September 22, 2005 12:00 AM
I find your writings are very beneficial. We live within patterns that do not always serve us or others in helpful ways. Introspection and turning toward God can keep us present and aware. Thank you.
(10) Celia, September 15, 2005 12:00 AM
THANK YOU
Having been a widow over four years and feeling aimless, this has encouraged me to evaluate my life through the eyes of a compassionate God and to enquire of Him to help through.
(9) Anonymous, August 27, 2004 12:00 AM
thank you
I appreciate this clarity for preparing for Rosh Hashana. Being a busy mother of an infant and working most of the week makes it easy to neglect my inner self and the things I know I need to change. The practical suggestions and the 'process for t'shuva' are both invaluable. I should read these again to reinforce them and hopefully - with G-d's help - act on these ideas and generate real growth for this coming year. May all K'lal Yisrael have a 'K'siva V'chasima Tovah'!
(8) Bill, September 23, 2003 12:00 AM
A challenge that both encourages and comforts.
I really appreciate the balance of acknowledgment this article gave to how different ways of approaching change do work, and are each spiritually valid in their own way for their own occasions. It pointed out the usefulness of and valid place for record-keeping, and how it can be indispensible in leading you to places you may not have been able to comprehend before simply through the process of elimination, yet at the same time highlighted the supreme desirability of change brought on simply by the overpowering spirit of love, trust, joy, and devotion. It's a heartening confirmation that no one needs to lack hope of achieving that state, even if we must take other steps first to comprehend the shape of the door that leads to it.
(7) Joseph, September 20, 2003 12:00 AM
Thank you very much dear Aýish!
Shana Tova!
kol tuv
(6) Anonymous, September 18, 2003 12:00 AM
This was an awesome reading. Thank you so much!
(5) Harry Pearle, September 18, 2003 12:00 AM
Add a fourth step: Leadership (Rosh)
I hope Rebbetzin Heller’s three step plan remains on top of your page, but I would add a fourth step. I believe it is not enough for individuals to change, but society must change.
We say, ‘Al Chait Shechetanu’, for the sins which WE have committed, in the plural. Our sins are collective and not isolated. No man is an island.
Each of us can lead the way. Rosh Hashanah reminds me of ROSH, leadership. By making the effort to lead, each of us, can further our own personal growth. As Avos 1.14 says: If I care only for myself, what am I ? And if not now, when ?
Leadership can provide the impetus for continued tshuvah.
From Day One, Rosh Hashanah, let us take the lead.
(4) Anonymous, September 15, 2003 12:00 AM
A tremendous yashar koach to Rebbitzen Heller for an article which is inspiring but most importantly practical.I wish I had read it weeks ago when I started to plan,once again,a "Better" Ellul.At least I read it today and can add welcome ideas and needed structure to the process of this years return.And Thank you Aish .com for giving an accesible forum to so many wonderful words and concepts.Wishing all a shana tova.
(3) Anonymous, September 15, 2003 12:00 AM
Thanks
Thanks for a wonderful, enlightening article.
(2) Noah, September 15, 2003 12:00 AM
excellent!
That was really good chizuk/inspiration. Thank you for restating the obvious in such an elegant way that helps us all!
Shana Tova!
(1) Michal, September 15, 2003 12:00 AM
Thank you
Dear Rebetzin Heller, thank you for this practical information.
The last part (recommended by the Hassidic masters)I liked most. It gives me hope and is made for me. Shalom