Imagine you're stuck in traffic, and another driver is taking dollar bills and throwing them out the window. You can't believe it. The guy is whacko. Every five minutes, another dollar flies out the window!
You probably never saw this. But you have seen someone throwing five minutes out the window.
Maybe you even did it yourself. The bus takes off and you're really enjoying the scenery: "Oh, a hill... look at that store... and there's a park!"
It's not so bad for the first few minutes. But then the cash register starts ringing up more wasted time. Ding! Ding!
To become a great human being requires applying your mind constantly, until it pervades every fiber of your being.
It all begins with a decision, a commitment. Try saying aloud: "Life is an opportunity. I want to use my mind, and be constantly moving toward my goal."
You may notice some resistance as a little voice protests inside: "No way! All work and no play will make Jack a dull boy. C'mon, let's space out and watch TV!"
Does this mean being an obsessive workaholic? Of course not – you still need to sleep!
Let's understand. "Constant striving" means that when you sleep in order to be more productive, then the sleep becomes part of your overall goal. It's the same with eating and exercise.
So what about relaxing?
Of course it's okay to relax. But relaxing means "changing gears." Your relaxation should be purposeful and directed. Think of something else that's not as exerting, but is still meaningful. For example, shift your focus to nature, music or art. Sometimes, even a simple change of scenery, a cold drink, or a breathe of fresh air is enough to recharge your batteries.
But don't space out.
We do this, because it is painful to be constantly aware, to be constantly "on."
To break through that pain, focus instead on the pay-off. When you are constantly aware, every experience becomes a lesson in life. For example, if you are in a dentist's office, you could use that time to reach any number of crucial insights:
- I'm lucky to have teeth. A toothless life would be much less pleasurable.
- If there is such a thing as dental hygiene, there must be a concept of spiritual hygiene, too. I wonder what it is.
- Without the pain of the drill, my teeth would fall out. Perhaps some other difficulties in life also help me accomplish good things.
- The human body is so intricate. The integration of teeth, gums, tongue and saliva is an incredible feat of anatomical and physiological design. How did it all come about?
Whatever you are doing at any given moment – watching the news, working on a business deal, talking to a friend, reading this article – give it your full attention. Decide that you are willing to take the pain of thinking, of being aware, all day long.
"Continuous:" Without Interruption
Whenever you pursue a specific goal, it should be without interruption. It's actually better to study for one hour straight, than for two hours with interruptions. Interruptions break our train of thought and limit our ability to retain information. They take the power out of learning.
Set aside a certain time when you block everything else out, where you will not budge from the activity you're focusing on. Don't sit down and then get up to open the window. Then get up to fetch a Coke. And get up again to close the window. And get up to turn on the radio.
Make up your mind: "I am going to do 'X' for one hour straight. No bouncing up and down!" For an entire 15 minutes, don't stop. Not to change your seat, not to get a drink, not for anything that isn't life-threatening!
You can practice this while riding on the bus, or waiting at the dentist's office. Set yourself a goal of 15 minutes to focus exclusively on one subject. It may be a problem you're having at work, a personal goal, or an issue in a relationship. For example, you might say to yourself, "The next 15 minutes I am going to devote to thinking about my family, how I can help them, why I love them, my pleasure in them."
Or try devoting 15 minutes a day to be aware of every aspect of life around you – from the blood coursing through your veins to keep every cell alive, to the ant crawling across the ground under your feet. For that 15 minutes, you are totally attuned to the miracle of being alive.
Then, at the end of these 15 minutes, appreciate how the time was well spent. Time that otherwise would have been wasted...
Little by little, increase your time. First 15 minutes, then 30 minutes, then one hour, then two hours. Once you hit four hours, you're sailing.
The Vilna Gaon, the great 18th century Jewish scholar, said that the first three hours and 59 minutes is stoking the furnace. By the fourth hour, the pot is boiling.
And don't stop. Because if you take the pot off the fire – even for a few minutes – you have to reboil it all over again.
"Consistent:" According to Schedule
To really get into gear, you need to find your rhythm.
The human body loves patterns. Even the most daunting tasks become fluid when set into a schedule. This means doing the activity in the same place, at the same time, and in the same way (as much as reasonably possible).
That's why Judaism has certain pre-set activities every day. When waking up, for example, we say: "Thank God I'm alive." It's a moment of conscious appreciation for getting another chance, another day. This awareness gets us up on the right side of the bed, starting our day on a high note.
When it comes to any goal, make a certain time of the day "holy." For however much or little time, make a commitment and be consistent every day. There is power in that commitment. You know you are going to change. Your life will be different.
Try it. Commit yourself 365 days a year, for the rest of your life: When you wake up in the morning, appreciate being alive.
"Cyclical:" Repetition and Review
Life is not one-dimensional. It must be studied from every side and turned upside down.
Study the same subject for a long period of time. Don't bounce around superficially from one topic to the next. Choose a topic you love and become an expert in at least one aspect of life. Become engrossed.
Whatever subject you choose, there is always more to learn. Even as you move to other areas of knowledge, be alert to pick up information pertinent to previous topics. This allows for cross-referencing, and ultimately, a deeper understanding.
Whatever you learn, make sure you don't forget. How many times has an insight struck you with astonishing clarity – and then slipped out of your mind the next day? The insight is fleeting if you don't capture it in some way. It has to sink into your bones and permeate your mind.
This means constant review of one's learning in some form or another.
Verbal repetition is powerful. It clarifies an idea and brings it into reality. That's why we repeat the Shema twice a day, and why we review the Torah year after year. The Sages of the Talmud would repeat any new insight 40 times – and repeat an especially vital idea 101 times.
It's kind of like "Remember the Alamo!" Of course, you may forget the Alamo, but you can remember this article in a catch-phrase like "Make Every Second Count" or "Live to the Max." Whatever moves you and gets you energized, repeat it again, again and again. Make it your refrain, your background music. When you wear out one phrase, get yourself another. Whatever works has power. * * *
"Comprehensive:" Be A Student Of Life
Imagine someone asking you, "What do you do?" You answer, "I'm a lawyer," or "I'm an engineer," or "I'm an accountant."
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
Suppose you see someone going to sleep, and you say to him, "What do you do?"
He says, "I'm a sleeper."
"You're a sleeper? How do you make a living doing that? Who pays you to sleep?!"
That's my point exactly. When you add up the hours over a lifetime, you spend more time sleeping than being a lawyer.
The essential you is not the lawyer. It is the thinker, the seeker, the living, breathing human being who loves, who is continually growing, who desires greatness, who hungers to know more. Identify with this. It is who you really are.
Ask a woman with four children: "Who are you?" She answers: "A mother." But that's only one aspect of who she is (albeit an important one). She's also a friend, a community volunteer, an educator, a chef, a nurse, a child psychologist, a thinker, an information gatherer, a pursuer of truth, and more.
Unfortunately, we develop this identity problem early in life. Every child is asked: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" This question has subtle implications that can damage a developing personality. The child is thinking: "What's wrong with being 'me?' Is 'me' so terrible that I have to 'become' something different when I grow up?"
The Sages say: "Make the study of life your main occupation, and your profession secondary." The question is not "what are you doing for a living," but rather "what do you do for life?" If you see yourself as a "thinker," then thinking becomes a priority. So update your self-definition. Learn your whole reason for living and live it fully.
Is Life Good?
The bottom line is you have to decide: Is life good or not?
This comes down to a more basic question: Does life have purpose? If it doesn't, then there's no reason not to waste time, because nothing really matters anyway. But if you believe there is a purpose to life, why would you want to waste any bit of it? You'll want to understand every aspect of life, to do the most with the limited time you have.
Jewish consciousness says that the worst crime is murder.
Human beings were created for pleasure. Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden. In Hebrew, Eden means "pleasure."
When you commit yourself to what a human being was destined for – a life of pleasure – you will go out searching for the highest pleasures. Along the way, you'll make distinctions between pleasure and comfort, between necessary pain and needless suffering. And through the process, you'll discover the true meaning of life.
The Torah says: "Abraham was old and he came with his days." Many people can become old without their days, because they may only experience growth over a year. But Abraham and Sarah had daily growth spurts. They got as much out of living as possible.
Make the commitment to discover life's deeper pleasures. It could be the difference between a useful life and a wasted one.
10 Tools For Constant Awareness
- Plan out what you want to accomplish. If you know what you're after, you'll pursue it with more vitality.
- Plan in the evening how you'll get up in the morning. Don't let the snooze button control your life.
- To start off on the right foot, get up 10 minutes early and say the Shema.
- Review your day. See what the obstacles were. Strategize how to avoid them in the future. Review what you learned in the past 24 hours.
- Catch yourself day dreaming at least once a day and examine: "What am I doing right now, and how could I use this moment more effectively?"
- Become a student of life. Study wherever you are. Have books, thoughts, etc. ready to keep your mind growing. (No staring out the window like a zombie.)
- Memorize pieces of wisdom. It will give you something to learn as you walk down the street or wait in line at the supermarket.
- Pick appealing catch-phrases, to inspire yourself on the spot, and to wake yourself up when you feel like drifting off.
- Frequently ponder the question: What is the purpose of life? What am I doing on this planet?
- Plan ahead now. What do you want to study? What do you need to realize your ambitions? How do you want to grow?
Everyone says that "time is money." But which is more important: five minutes or a dollar? Time is the greatest opportunity of your life. Don't waste a minute of it.
(121) Anonymous, July 15, 2017 3:14 PM
Too intense?
The Way #1 article is helpful, but I wonder if this preoccupation with using every second might make a person very intense all the time and unable to relax. I know some really intense people and they don't seem able to enjoy life.
(120) Hevel, June 19, 2015 4:28 PM
Awesome!
It's a nice bunch of good advice. This article must and had to be read for everyone. Thank you for sharing it. Hope indeed that as many people as possible can come across over here and read it through.
(119) Anonymous, March 26, 2014 11:03 AM
Great!
This is great! Thank you so much for posting it!
(118) tmg, December 25, 2013 11:11 AM
thankyou great information
(117) Greg Brown, December 17, 2013 3:37 PM
re: spread this wisdom
Your thinking and your ideas should be for all humanity
(116) A.Kahana, September 29, 2013 3:54 PM
Thank You!
These 48 Ways makes a great addition for living each day to the fullest. It will probably take the rest of my life to master them all. I have a lot of work to do. My Wife and I study Torah twice a day and this fits in perfectly. Thank You.
(115) Treva, May 14, 2013 2:58 AM
I love the teaching Rabbi, thank you so much!
(114) Zino, December 26, 2012 7:21 AM
48 ways of wisdom hit my mind
thanks for 48ways of wisdom. I havent yet read all the 48ways, but i have a feeling that im definitely going to waste my time on "48 ways of wisom". Thank you so much.
(113) Toluyemi F.J, December 16, 2012 5:40 AM
Good to be wise
Thanks for adding to my line of thought.I strongly desire wisdom hence my search for what to do.may almighty God help us.Amen.
ABIOLA E. O, September 11, 2013 7:22 AM
Thanks for your brilliant ways of educating the rest of the world.
AS MUCH AS LIFE IS IN CONTINUITY, YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WORTHY OF BEING APPLIED TO ACHIEVE RESULT.
(112) Anonymous, November 20, 2012 10:17 AM
thanks for the 48 ways of wisdom. I have learnt alot Rabbi Noah
(111) Nibin, November 9, 2012 5:33 AM
Time is the most precious gift God has given us. Often we don't recognise the value of time until it is lost. Once lost it cannot be retrieved back because the value of time is greater than what money can buy.
(110) Nibin, November 9, 2012 5:30 AM
Great thought
Time is the most precious gift God has given us. Often we don't recognise the value of time until it is lost. Once lost it cannot be retrieved back because the value of time is greater than what money can buy.
(109) Anonymous, November 13, 2011 11:17 AM
abasitasnr@gmail.com
Indeed,wisdom is the principal thing.
(108) naom ombati, September 27, 2011 4:07 PM
life is what you make it
one should always try living their lives because each and everyone has a part to fulfill in this life.no one should undermine anybody!
(107) shashi, April 5, 2011 5:01 PM
Thank you
Your word is so timely!.I am preparing for an exam and have time management issue with distractions.
(106) , November 15, 2010 12:54 AM
relaxation
Yes, most of the time we should be aware of our surroundings, but we also need to give our mind a break, not by sleeping but by relaxing, this is why we have vacations. But too mutch of this can be extreamly bad, we need balence between relaxation and awareness. This mental unawareness can only be done at certain times, like a few minutes after you come home from work, or at a sceduled vacation, this renews the mind. Sleep renews the body, relaxation renews the mind.
(105) Jeannine Poler, October 27, 2010 11:29 AM
Thank you Rabbi for reminding us about what life is meant to be living for.
(104) Anonymous, August 23, 2010 12:06 AM
Time
Thank you for your insights
(103) Anonymous, April 1, 2010 6:26 PM
Life more than a schedule
I am reading a book that the author always has the next 40 days planned out hour by hour. Yuck, I think. To live your life by some schedule like that, personal and professional life I do not call living. Yes it makes more ideal on the job, but still it blocks out creativity, but your personal life? In the catagory of not wasting time, I still call it very extreme. To plan so you don't waste time, yes a reminder we always need, to be presented with great ideas how to use some of that down time to make it more productive is great ideas. I think our brains and using them is very productive, coming up with original ideas. Daydreaming isn't a waste, when it reveals something to you. "I have a dream" came from daydreaming. When I am stopped at a stop light, I explore what is around that I usually don't notice because I am flying by and no time to look. That is what those unexpected delays can be good for, time to ask those questions. A time to notice, a time to embrace the moment, before life passes you by and death happens at 5:17pm & it wasn't on the schedule that day then what? It still happened and you didn't get to accomplished what was planned out for 6:00pm.
(102) ana, December 23, 2009 10:59 PM
Thanks to Rabbi
Rabbi Wienberg is the most wonderful man, he has inspired me be 'awake' to life, thank you always
(101) Sandra Bichefsky, June 13, 2009 4:54 AM
How to be in time with mind, heart and soul.
Dear Rabbi, Thank you for these guidelines on ways to enhance each of our days by using our minds at full capacity.
(100) seena, April 19, 2009 8:29 PM
we can all live this way!
Rabbi Weinberg's brilliance shines through the seemingly simple yet deeply revealing and practical examples he presents to illustrate the idea he is teaching. It's great learning for the Omer period.
(99) Ed Goldman, February 8, 2009 1:11 PM
Nothing more important on the entire internet.
Should have been studying this format for the past 81 years. But it is still valuable at this time.
(98) Anthony, January 18, 2009 12:34 AM
Perfect guidance for perfect living. Thank you
Always in search of enlightenment and different perspectives on life I stumbled by chance across this. It is truly inspirational! Thank you
(97) Gloria, December 26, 2008 7:27 PM
Dear Rabbi Weinberg Thank you for the insightful and inspiring way of thinking.
(96) Teddy, October 24, 2008 3:03 AM
Thank you So much Rabbi!
What can I say! I don't even have enough words to express my gratitude to Rabbi. I not only read this first article I read all the 50. It changes my life and give a real and clear way to fulfill my purpose in life. Who is good? Only G-d is good. Who is wise? One who learn from all. How to give? Your left hand shouldn't know when your right hand give. How to help? To stop the bleeding not telling the man is bleeding. Who to love? Your neibhour. Who is our Neighbour? The opressed, the sick, the poor, any one who need help. The list is endless. I still plan to read it again and again to draw further wisdom from it. I am deeply praying to the Holy one of Israel for your recovery Rabbi. What a Man. Thank G-d for Rabbi.
(95) Anonymous, September 14, 2008 3:10 PM
My thoughts are with you
Rabbi Weinberg, you are in my thoughts, thank you for your teachings.
(94) tanya, September 10, 2008 7:47 PM
Absolutely wonderful!
I was looking for something like that, simple, practical and caring. thanks a lot. I'm going to try...beginning tonight.
(93) Anonymous, May 25, 2008 11:45 AM
very inspiring
Dear Rabbi Weinberg - thank you for these inspiring articles, which have really touched and moved me.
(92) Mauri Tuomisto, February 18, 2008 4:32 AM
Thank you for your inspiring article.I would like to encourage Jews all over the world to keep up with their faith.
(91) Yonah, February 7, 2008 9:07 AM
Bravo.
(90) Donald, February 4, 2008 8:52 PM
Yasher Koach R' Wineberg
May you live to be 120 years Rabbi Wineberg
Your weekly, 48 Ways to Wisdom, email series, has been something that I have looked forward to reading for the last several years now. I can tell you, that you have helped to bring me closer to HaShem. My understanding of Judaism is at a point, where I have entered the conversion process, and your G-d given reflections on Torah has helped me achieve that goal. I cannot thank-you enough. I trust, and pray, that HaShem will restore you completely. I/we need you. Warmest regards, Donald
(89) Jose Macias, February 3, 2008 1:43 PM
At last.
In the process to think the right way to say thanks, I was really thinking in how to say how much this reading opened my eyes and my mind. A thousand thoughts came rushing in line after line of reading, all at once, it was and still is difficult for me to even try to control the flow of thoughts, it's a wonderful feeling and new sensations and discovery. Yes I'm alive and more so now. I know now that there is more to life that I have thought all my life, at last. Thank you, thank you FROM THE DEEPEST CORNER OF MY HEART.
(88) Anonymous, February 3, 2008 11:59 AM
The value of daydreams
First, I wish a refuah shelema to Rabbi Weinberg. I agree that it's good to be focused when we work, but I disagree that it's a waste of time to daydream at times or to enjoy the scenery (which has been created by G-d for our pleasure.) Some of my most productive work has been the result of allowing myself to daydream. Solutions to problems have popped up in that manner, and my spirit has been recharged. I'm considered a "workaholic" by my colleagues, but I couldn't accomplish what I do without "recharging my batteries" from time to time, and daydreaming at times is part of that process.
(87) abdlwhed, January 5, 2008 7:06 AM
yes
belife me Iam wounderfull by this site and every day i canot stay with out read som subject Iam 52 years old and Ifeel with this site like child without mum .
(86) Kandrix, October 24, 2007 7:14 PM
Just wanted to say thanks
Hello,
I just wanted to thank you for having this site and posting 48 Ways. I've been working pretty hard lately, but I feel that I've lost a lot of focus in myself.
The funny thing is that a lot of people consider me to be a workhorse, and I know I can buckle down and focus on achieving my goals. It's just that for whatever reason, I haven't been able to do that recently.
I did a search online about learning to focus and I stumbled onto this site. All I can say is "wow". From here on out, I will be reading one more 'way' each day.
Thanks again for the inspiration.
(85) Ms.Helena Altman, September 5, 2007 12:45 PM
I value Noah Weinbergs inspirational audio classes. I have been listening intently every day, oh did I forget to mention I fell in love with his voice too and looking forward to meeting him one day.
God Bless!!
Helena!
(84) J. Chandler, August 15, 2007 8:40 PM
48 way to wisdom
Reb, Thank you for this article. I am using them in my Anger management class. I teach kids who tend to be bullies and have low self esteem. I really appreciate your insight and advice.
A Teacher in Hawaii
(83) Anonymous, July 4, 2007 8:16 AM
A Catchphrase
Time enjoyed is never wasted.
(82) Anonymous, June 17, 2007 2:25 AM
I'm impressed by the clarity and freshness of " the 48 Ways To Wisdom,"(Way #1).
(81) rich, April 9, 2007 6:29 AM
a challenge indeed
Rabbi,
thank you, the renewing of my mind is exercise. the in shape mind will certainly influence the spirit. and the spirit will always influence the flesh.
(80) Dvirah, February 28, 2007 4:16 PM
Awareness may be internal
I'd like to "take exception" to some of Rabbi Weinberg's statements. (1) Watching TV can also be done with awareness. When I watch TV with my children (a rare enough occurance), we discuss the program afterwards, analyzing the characters and asking what we each would do in a similar situation? It too, becomes an opportunity for learning and growth. Don't assume that watching is always mindless, one can learn to watch analytically.
(2) Day dreaming may not be wasting time either. It can be a form of "dress rehearsal" for how you want to be. In your daydream you can imagine yourself in different situations and how you ideally would behave in them. Do this a few times and it is easier to change your actual behavior in a real-life situation.
(3)A person in deep thought may look like a zombie, but that does not mean the mind is not alive and occupied. In fact, a person deep in though probably sits very still and looks straight ahead because his/her attention is focused inwardly.
I agree with Rabbi Weinberg in pinciple but I find his examples less than acurate. Please do not judge hastily or from negative assumptions when you see a person "apparantly" wasting time. That person may be using the time in a way meaningful to him/herself that the observer is not aware of.
(79) raj, February 16, 2007 6:39 PM
very good site for real life awareness and guidance
(78) maya, February 11, 2007 7:56 AM
soothing...renews hope
I just lost my mother a month back. My emotions are all within. I am unable to persevere or concentrate at times in my tasks. Your article helped.I hope I will feel better in due course of time when I can get in touch with myself. Thank you very much.
(77) kent jr, January 3, 2007 8:58 PM
one minute used wisely surpasses 24 hrs wasted on physical pleasure.
I am new on this website and Rabbi Noah Weinberg!s48 ways to wisdom remain
a classical inspirational read.It is
amazing understanding from his points
how much time i have been wasting,and i am hopeful from now onwards my time will be well utilized.I thank God so much for rare gems like you.What are you doing to help zealous jews here in Nigeria?Yes the many Ibo Jews are eagerly waiting true Jewish teachings.
(76) Sergio-AbrahamPiedra, November 18, 2006 6:52 PM
Excellent present moment learning
The description is so true and related to the "NOW" God's only kitchen where everything happens "where all our goals are manifested.
(75) Joseph, October 28, 2006 8:44 AM
A Timely Lesson
As one who daydreams, I never thought about wasting my time in such endeavors. Your 10 Steps at the end are habits which anyone can adapt into their lives.
(74) Rajan, October 18, 2006 4:16 AM
great article
i love Rabbi Noah's sense and outlook on spirituality and showing how we can be deeply spiritual in our day to day life,in this heavily material world.
(73) Anonymous, September 28, 2006 12:24 AM
This was a fascinating article and really changed my thinking of life and how to spend time. If a person thinks of this, their entire life could be different. Thank you for the amazing article.
(72) Anonymous, June 20, 2006 12:00 AM
what is the pay-off?
It is said "To break through the pain, focus on the pay-off." That is where I'm having trouble... please tell me how to identify the pay-off?
(71) pam, June 19, 2006 12:00 AM
with gratitude and respect-"thank-you"
(70) Judith, April 1, 2006 12:00 AM
48 Ways to Wisdom
Exactly what I needed to know at this very moment in time in reference to purpose. Thank you!
(69) guilda, March 26, 2006 12:00 AM
very interesting
important to have a better quality of life.
(68) avigai brach, November 16, 2005 12:00 AM
thank you for being my mode of transportation
I don't know who's reading this but whoever it is is obviously involved with the Aish organization so I just wanted to thank you. i bought an mp3 during my year studying in israel and I am in awe and humbled at the amazing institution you have established. I was especially affected by the taste I got of rabbi Weinberg's 48 ways and hope to supliment my CD with the articles from the website. Is there any way I can help further the amazing mission you have undertaken? please let me know by email @avigailbrach@yahoo.com
(67) ANDRIANAIVOMANANA Lova Hariniaina, October 12, 2005 12:00 AM
spirituality is the felling youi get when you are in front of an action and you see who is you. The creator is the spirituality, He give you things and He see who is you with this Holy Gift
(66) Anonymous, October 11, 2005 12:00 AM
Thank you Sir for this great lesson
...applied to my life and together with some other essential aspects from God's Word I will soar higher than where I am now! Thanks for getting so practical!
(65) barb, August 8, 2005 12:00 AM
i'm catholic & i love this site
i wish i could sit here all afternoon and read everything. he is a wonderful writer!!
(64) Sapna Jarial, July 30, 2005 12:00 AM
Awareness
awareness..waking up of senses is quite difficult work.These thoughts are food for mind..
(63) Derick, July 4, 2005 12:00 AM
a great lesson
Hi I just want to say tha I am becoming a baal tshuva and retuning to judaism after a life time of not following judaism proply and please excuse my spelling I have a learning diabilty and battle to spell. Im learning today a lesson about judaism as I went into other religions and only to discover that judaism teaches the same things and not to have look outside of my oem faith and culture and religion to find all what Im searching for.I want to wright a book one day about my jouney back as Iwas givem a second chanceas I survied a shooting to my head and by the grace of g-d do I go. I look forward to reading more of your lessons I am studing judaism by reading a lot of books and the internet and I go to a young rabbi at chabad and as my father passed on about six months ago i now do kaddish for him and I am learning at the same time its only been this week end but I AM MAKING THIS A COMMITMENT to growas a personand a jew bless you ang keep up your valuble teachings.
(62) Sami, July 2, 2005 12:00 AM
Very wise and inspiring
I just happened across this site as I was surfing the web and got hooked immediately by Rabbi Weinberg's down-to-earth writing style and his practical wisdom. Although I come from a Muslim background, I think his insights and teachings can benefit all of humanity, regardless of religious affiliation. Thank you, and keep writing!
(61) Toni Richardson, May 21, 2005 12:00 AM
Thank you
A friend sent me this link. It has given me a new direction! Thanks a million!!
(60) Judy Hoffman, May 20, 2005 12:00 AM
The Article of Life
I just finished reading this article and it is so true. Last year(2004) I had a very serious health problem where I almost died. I survived and came to realize that there is something more important in life like family and friends. I already practice some of the ideals that were listed in the article.
(59) Archibald nii boye okotah, November 13, 2004 12:00 AM
great inspiration
very great and an ispiring work. the begining chapter had ispired my ego to continue reading. i believe this is an opportunity to make stratagic paradigmshift in my life.will here from me . koodos!!!
(58) Carlton Brown, September 11, 2004 12:00 AM
This website is fantastic
A few days ago i came across this website by random surfing, i decided to investigate, and after reading 48 Ways to Wisdom #20 twice, i decided to practice some of the techniques since i had to be in a bus for over two hours the said day.
Me, being a shy person decided to talk to the person next to me. At first i was fearful but after two minutes the momentum picked up, the conversation went beyond my expectations. Our conversation was centered on ideas.
As a point came to my mind i tried and it worked, i decided to try others and surprised myself.
I started to study lesson one today.
You will hear from me again.
May God add his rich blessings to your work.
(57) Olofin Olusola, September 11, 2004 12:00 AM
Interesting Article!
Wow! what a fantastic article..its wonderful reading it, I was excited to come across this article and it really encourage me to know exactly how i should handle my daily schedule and organise myself in such i way i should do what i ought to do.
Thanks.
(56) Virginia Jung, August 27, 2004 12:00 AM
I enjoyed this feature. It reminded me of my eigth grade school teacher over fifty years ago. It reminds me of how much time we had to spend writing
articles on the value of time. Thanks for jogging my memory once again. virginia jung
(55) Diane, June 29, 2004 12:00 AM
Keep up the good work!
I'm enjoying your writings.I have been doing a lot of what you said-being aware & being gratefull of the time as well.The Shema helps me keep connected, been saying it for a few months. Thanks for your time!
(54) Glen Priddy, June 26, 2004 12:00 AM
Rabbi, you are great.
This article excites me, and spurs me on.Thank you so much, you are an inspiration to me.
(53) Stephan, May 28, 2004 12:00 AM
Wow
This one uncompromising, challenging article has meant more to me than tons of books. Thank you!
(52) Anonymous, May 19, 2004 12:00 AM
It is very hard to keep our mind busy all the time
I wish I could do what you mentioned and I am trying for some years to keep my mind busy on usefull things in order to get a better way to live
(51) khaya, May 12, 2004 12:00 AM
this was verfy helpful to me
from this mintue on i'm going to follow the five c's. i'm 27 years old with on child. and her father is of another faith and we are not together because of our family difference. and it's been very hard to get over our separation. but i'm going to move on and get my life together for me and my daughter leah.
(50) frankie, February 12, 2004 12:00 AM
what a set of treasure of wisdom this is . It's very valuable on our daily life. It teaches you the value of every minute and not to squander it. Thanks for this kind of articles I love reading every word of it.
(49) Don Logan, November 22, 2003 12:00 AM
Never disappointed
Thanks for an always refreshing article.
(48) swapna, November 14, 2003 12:00 AM
Values in Life
I really enjoyed reading about the 48 ways to wisdom because it relates to the values we can practise in day to day life and is not a utopian philosophy that looks good and sounds good but cannot be put into practice.
(47) David Amiel, October 10, 2003 12:00 AM
How I will live in the future, amazing how much a Yeshiva bot can forget
My wife found this on the net.bless her, this is just what I need to get my life back on track. Thank you
(46) pat, September 11, 2003 12:00 AM
AWSOME
So informative, Im going to get started right away. Just what Ive been looking for to get me motivated. Thank you so much
(45) tziporah mandel, August 12, 2003 12:00 AM
GREAT!!!!
Practicle! Sharp! Inspirational! Thank you so much!!!!
(44) JEAN-JACQUES EDDERAI, August 7, 2003 12:00 AM
UNIQUE IN ITS KIND
THE BEST COMPANION FOR YOU EVERY DAY'S ACT OF LIFE
(43) Linda Reboh, June 19, 2003 12:00 AM
I love to see in print what I already believe
This is how I want to live my life and have been trying my whole life. But I had forgotten. Thank you for reminding me.
(42) Anonymous, April 4, 2003 12:00 AM
15 minutes a day...No interruptions!
I Love Life and there are not enough minutes in a day to take in or do all that I want too...to learn about people, see Beauty, see the world in real-time, study. But after reading this, I shall take at least 15 min a day to focus on one thing...no changing to other topis, no getting up for coffee, etc. And I know that at the end of the day, I shall feel better about myself for doing so. Am controlling myself now to dwell on this 'Way 1'...and not race on - yet- to Way 2,3,4,5.....
(41) David Schwartz, January 8, 2003 12:00 AM
SIMPLE RULES
Simple rules for a good life. Knowing them is half the battle, utilizing them is the other half.
(40) Anonymous, December 31, 2002 12:00 AM
My G-D
My G-D, what an article. The words of the article help you achieve the goal of becoming a grade a tzaddik.
(39) Steve Kustin, December 28, 2002 12:00 AM
Thanks
Dear Aish, Thankyou for uplifting thoughts that can be used anywhere.
(38) David Firth, October 19, 2002 12:00 AM
WOW
Wow, I'm not Jewish or have any specific religious preference but I found myself here after researching into Judaism for school, and WOW! I really like what you've written. It's really good and I like the way you have made it funny as well as guiding.
Thanks,
and I'm going to read the next one right now,
David
(37) Christine Korn, September 19, 2002 12:00 AM
wonderful and inspiring way of looking at and experiencing life.
(36) Tamara, September 14, 2002 12:00 AM
I'm already exhausted!!
Although I appreciate value of awareness and I practice it myself often, this 5 C's approach would lead me to yet another C - Crazy! So many things to DO, DO, DO, and so many things to THINK, THINK, THINK about -- where is the SPACE for inspiration to come into my awareness?
Certainly, the practice of conscious awareness is a cornerstone to spiritual growth, but there needs to be a balance in all things, and this approach leaves little room for me to be a human BEing.
I look forward to reading the rest of the articles in this series, and I hope that they continue to enlighten me. But in this case I am going choose not to "should" on myself 5 different ways, and to "accept" that sometimes I am consciously aware, sometimes I am not, sometimes I look for lessons in the everyday experiences of life, and sometimes I relax -- yes, even in front of a television set.
(35) , June 6, 2002 12:00 AM
what inspiration!!!!
i enjoyed the articles so much that i don't want to go to sleep. there is so much to do , so much to learn and so much to improve. Thank you R' Weinberg and all of aish.
(34) Anonymous, May 19, 2002 12:00 AM
info for life
Rabbi Weinberg,
I am a teacher and a coach at a high school in Garland, TX. I plan to start an organization there that is designed to teach young athletes the importance of being good role models.
The knowledge contained in the 48 Ways... series is a trememdous teaching tool. I would love to use it with this organization. Over the last two years, I have found that there are about 19 or 20 of the ways that could be incorporated with the hearts and minds these young athletes.
I am writing to ask for your premission to use these truths and to ask if there is any way I can compensate you for them. I have the text of many of them saved on my computer. I would not need to buy the audio version. That is why I ask if there is a way to compensate you for the material.
I look forward to hearing from you.
May the Lord continue to bless, keep, and cause his countenance to shine on you.
Sincerely,
Dwight D. Williams
(33) Anonymous, April 28, 2002 12:00 AM
Yashar Koach!
you guys are amazing people- Thank you so much!
This site is a mamash Kidush Hashem!
I pray that Hashem will bless you all and this amazing organization you've established! May you never lack a penny for any of your necesseties..
BE"H may AM Yisrael keep getting closer to Hashem and may we finally have ultimate Tikun Olam.
you all give me so much Chizuk!
Thank You
(32) karl rose, April 23, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellent advice
I always thought the Rabbi's and Sages were wise and now I know they are. Excellent advice to follow. I pray that I do, at least some of the steps, I think I will start off with small baby steps, one step at a time.
Karl
(31) emma gorbatovsky, April 20, 2002 12:00 AM
i love it thank y
i just love aish everything
th you
(30) OTENG MOSES, March 29, 2002 12:00 AM
thanks alot for the ever encouraging word of wisdom that you continually and tirelessly give us.
(29) shoshana spencer, January 16, 2002 12:00 AM
Rabbi noah winberg
My dad went to aish yeshiva and learnt with Rabbi Weinberg - all these amazing things - but live! - its amazing to think that my dad learnt with a rabbi, whose information i am now learninG! it widens ones life so much more - thank you!
(28) maayan demink, January 4, 2002 12:00 AM
48 Ways
Most helpful.to understand life better.Thank you so much.
(27) gabi, December 19, 2001 12:00 AM
strange?
whatever one needs in life, is always available, even at the toutch of a button...
This, what i just read was adressed to anyone, yet it felt as though it said dear Gabi.
I thank the people who dedicate their lives to help other gain clarity, but most of all, I thank Hashem.
(26) Anonymous, December 19, 2001 12:00 AM
Really Good!
This is my second time of visiting aish.com and I must say I haven't seen a better site. All the stuff on "48 Ways to Wisdom" are simply amazing though I find them to difficult to put into practice.
(25) FARAJ JEBRAEL, December 18, 2001 12:00 AM
Woderful and thearapeutic!
Thanks a lot.
(24) Eva Bronstein, December 17, 2001 12:00 AM
Clearly understood
Thank G-d I am Jewish. How very clever we are! All of your comments and explanations, seem to have been written JUST FOR ME!! They make understanding my mistakes so easy. So clear, that I can't stop thinking about how easy the solution to all my problems sounds in the words of our Torah. Thank you for your wonderful explanations and examples. Yours, Eva Bronstein
(23) Anonymous, November 29, 2001 12:00 AM
If only we don't forget!
I'm truly inspired by your fantastic clever articles. It is amazing how each individual article you write has so much intelligence and useful information.
May you be blessed with many more long healthy years to continue your great accomplishments.
(22) Dennis Sabulsky, October 6, 2001 12:00 AM
Web Site
You have a wonderful website, I have been here only for an hour and I have
not even scratched the surface.
The video on prophecy and current events
was fantastic...
It would be interesting to see you views Biblically/Historically regarding
Sept.11/01. That was so dreadful. God
Bless you. Respectfully, Dennis Sabulsky, Kamloops, BC, Canada. God Bless Israel.
(21) Tony LAM, September 8, 2001 12:00 AM
I enjoy your article because it provides insight for me to review my life patterns. Rabbi Noah Weinberg, thank for your teachings.
(20) Anonymous, August 31, 2001 12:00 AM
question about the 48 ways to wisdom
I am a gentile. I have discovered aish.com, and have spent many hours reading and studying here. I am especially drawn to Rabbi Weinberg's Six Constant Mitsvah's and the 48 Ways to Wisdom. But by some other articles I have read at Aish.com, I get the feeling that perhaps this is not meant for me as a gentile, and for me to pursue studying this might in some way be wrong because of my not being Jewish. Is it....I don't know what word to use...acceptable? appropriate? for me as a gentile to study this and apply it to my life and thinking? I am so drawn to this, as if I have been very thirsty for a long time, and have found water at last. But are these principles only really applicable to the Jewish people? Am I being blasphemous in some way, or presumptuous, to attempt to follow this thinking and apply it to my life? I would appreciate any help you could give me.
Aish.com relpies: Thank you for sending your comments. They are very appreciated. I am deeply touched by your remarkable sensitivity in asking this question. In truth, there are aspects in Torah which are specifically for Jews and not appropriate for gentiles. On the other hand, there is a great deal of Torah which is highly commendable for all of humanity to learn. There are seven commandments which were passed down through Noah for all of humanity to live by, and they certainly need to be studied. In addition, everyone needs to build their relationship with the Creator, and tools for doing that are found in the Torah. Everyone needs to work on their own personality to become the best person they can be. As such, the 6 Constant Mitzvot and the 48 Ways are perfectly fine for everyone.
(19) Anonymous, June 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Mind expanding...
I enjoyed this article. Found to it be well thought out and well written. I will look forward to reading more of your articles going forward.
Thank you for helping to give us focus.
--Lyn
(18) Anonymous, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
using the time
It's rather amazing this matter of time. Once I was a time spender; here in my country (Brazil) there are so many garbage TV programmes, I was a couch potato. As a world of good things was waiting to be discovered, but now I see what really matters.
(17) Holli DeVilliers, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
beauty
This article really moved me. It permeates the mind into realizing the beauty of all that surrounds us. I only pray that more people can open their hearts and souls to God and all the glory surrounding us in everway.
Thank you for repeating what we all intrinsicly know to be true.
(16) Ariellah Willis, May 24, 2001 12:00 AM
"48 Ways to Wisdom"
Thank you for the insight, your insight has been a tremendous help me in my quest to become a better Jew.
(15) Julia Slaybod, May 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Thanks
We all need support, and you support life's most important lessons. Love it!
(14) Avrohom Siegal, May 9, 2001 12:00 AM
Your Words hit home
Yasher Koach! Tonight I am going to practice for 15 minutes without interuption. Your words are words of truth!
Thanks
Avrohom
(13) Sarita Rajesh, April 17, 2001 12:00 AM
THANK YOU!
I am not a jew and just happen to chance upon the site. I have only two words to say THANK YOU! to the writer. The article has given a direction to my drifting life. A way to Live and Enjoy every moment of my life.
(12) Peter Klein, April 8, 2001 12:00 AM
wonderful inspiration
a beautiful way to start passover, & spring. i'll study life, a wonderful vocation.
(11) Karen Semple, April 7, 2001 12:00 AM
This article is true food for thought.
As an isolated Jew who only gets to experience community worship once per month, you have given me an invaluable gift with these insights. No longer will I "spin my wheels" awaiting my next "fix" of spiritual discussion with fellow Jews. I can discuss my thoughts with myself as I learn Torah. Thank you for Aish.com.
(10) Anonymous, March 30, 2001 12:00 AM
Excellent Forceful And Meaningful advice everyone should embrace as life itself
RABBI WEINBERG HAS PRESENTED A FORMULA WHICH IS 100 AND 10 PERCENT BENEFICIAL TO ALL INDIVUALS NO MATTER THIER CIRCUMSTANCES IN LIFE. NOT ONLY IS IT CLEARLY PRESENTED AS A CONCEPT. IT MIRRORS THE SPERIT OF THE BEST ANY HUMAN BEING CAN ATAIN FOR THEMSELVES AS WELL AS BENEFIT OTHERS BY THEIR EXAMPLE AND ACTIONS AND ACOMPLISHMANTS, BOTH INDIVUALY AND COLLECTIVELY.
(9) Gavriel Jacknin, March 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Excellent article. Clear with great advice
(8) Dina Vail, March 23, 2001 12:00 AM
A Blueprint for G-dly Living
About a year and a half ago, I was in the bathroom with my two grandsons. While sitting on the edge of the bathtub waiting for the water in the shower stall to warm up for the boys' showers, I accidentally fell back and cracked my head on the tub. I almost lost consciousness, but thank G-d I didn't. The 2 boys (at that time 5 and 6) helped me get help by getting me the portable phone and my phone list from my purse. After I called for help from a friend and knew that she would be there soon, I said to Spencer....."maybe someday you'll become a doctor...you were so good at helping Nanny with washcloths and looking to see where the blood was coming from." He said, "Nanny, I don't know how to be a doctor!" I said....."Spencer, you don't know how to be anything yet." He said...."But Nanny, I know how to be a person!" Well, to me, that was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard in my life. When I read your essay, it reminded me of this event. Thank you for your essay.
Dina Vail
(7) Julie Ackerman Link, March 22, 2001 12:00 AM
"Killing Time"
Ironically, I came across your article while I was "killing time" (i.e., avoiding "real" work), so it was very timely. The Internet is a constant temptation to me because when I'm online I don't feel as if I'm wasting time because I'm always learning something. But usually I'm not doing my real job -- editing manuscripts for publication. Even when I am reading for my own enlightenment, however, I cannot disengage my editorial instincts, and I noticed an apparent mistake in this article that you might want to correct: The last subhead is "Ten Tools for Constant Awareness," but only nine follow it. Regardless of that, however, the article is very good--and also very convicting. Thanks for making it available. Now back to real work!
(6) Salee Jordan, March 20, 2001 12:00 AM
Thanks!
We always want to grow but sometimes the mundane workings of life wear on one's energy. This article is like a shot in the arm; positive and full of the you-can-do-it attitude. Thank you for sharing that with everyone who cares to read.
(5) CAROL NEWMAN, March 19, 2001 12:00 AM
THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME TO CONTINUE TO LEARN
I have had the great privilege of learning at Aish Ha Torah in Jerusalem, with many of your fine rabbis. How wonderful it is to have access to you even here in Stafford, Virginia. Thank you so much.
(4) roland ndayahoze, March 18, 2001 12:00 AM
Wow
I feel very fortunate to benefit from the experience drawn of an obviously thoughtful and reflective life.
(3) Doug Gilchrist, October 30, 2000 12:00 AM
uplifting
i look forward to my next reading and indulge myself by going back and re-reading to be sure i haven't missed anything.
(2) Joy, June 7, 2000 12:00 AM
great!
After signing up for the regular emails, and coming here to the site, to read more of this series, I wanted you to know that I have really enjoyed these articles. They are full of wisdom and common sense. By following the guidelines here, one could be successful at whatever they choose. Thank you for this great series.
(1) Enrique Sediles, March 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Wow!!
I am not Jew, but I have been reading about Judaism and the more I read the more amazed I become!! It is great!!
This article I just read is so clear, so well written, so objective that I had to print it to read it time and time again and make it part of my life. Thank you!!