Ki Teitzei: Action

Many times in our life we think of things and never end up acting upon them. In many cases we simply forget that we even had this thought. It is forgotten until it is remembered. At times we are reminded periodically of them but still procrastinate and don’t act upon it.

Let’s understand the concept we just described. In one word it is called “Forgetfulness.” But as we explained, the reason that forgetfulness has an effect is only due to our lack of action. So in truth, Forgetfulness is a result of a lack. It is a fact that becomes reality due to inaction.

If you want to remember something all the time, there needs to be action taken. Otherwise our good thoughts will fly away and possibly be forgotten forever. As we learn in the commentators of Mishlei 3:1, אם יום תעזבני יומיים אעזבך. We forget those good thoughts because we lack in action to make them happen. Because once these thoughts become reality they will be remembered forever.

Our true situation in life is that we wish for greatness all the time, but we lack the action. And our heart knows that it needs to do something great, but then it feels as though “I forgot to think such thoughts for a month!” And the only reason for this is because we allowed ourselves to forget by not putting it into action. The more action you put in, the more successful you’ll be. The more meaning you add to the action, the more and more you’ll remember to be better.

And that is truly the path of life. Some play sad, some play happy, but we all walk the path together. But on an overall picture, I see myself constantly becoming a more thoughtful person by nature. And it is with time in this action that you start seeing a history in it. I see that over time I’ve become more accustomed to making decisions and committing to them.

The decision to learn more Torah each day has physically changed my day and my choices. This is the result of the action I’ve taken.

The ability to choose to stay away from old habits and even just identifying them as problems, this alone is a gift that I have with this lifestyle.

So basically, you don’t want to forget what is important. So from now on, when you hear yourself or anyone around you say the word “Important,” you will register your mind to make a solid note for action. You will absorb information around you, and when things that are labeled as important come up, you check to see what you can do about it. And do about it!

I don’t know why I have this thought sometimes, saying to myself, “I wonder if it will be a tragedy that will make me famous? Or will it be a wonder?” There are so many ways that Hashem can put me into the spotlight. But am I ready for the spotlight? What will I do when I’m on stage, all eyes are on me, and the spotlight is on me? What will I perform then? Will I be ready with a message that will keep the spotlight on me for a little longer? I hope I am, because when I am given the microphone I will have a clear message to send.

That could only happen when I don’t forget my purpose. And if I forget, that means that I am not doing enough to keep it alive. But now is the question, “What is it?” Do you remember what you want in life?

Find the greatest point in your heart. The highest and most loving thing you can imagine. Create your entire life in an image of the future. What does the best life for you really look like? What result do you wish to see? Do you have a dream of living in Eretz Yisrael one day? Then make it happen.

You do know that living in Eretz Yisrael will be much harder because the thoughts will be on a higher level. So you will need to raise your actions to a whole higher level as well. Otherwise the Forgetfulness comes back. We should always be moving forward and higher.

But making a goal in life and enacting it is where you will see a life-changing event unfold before your eyes. You will see a person waking up at an earlier time, who is surrounded by people, and is acting politely, saving money, and spending wisely. This is the change you wish to see in yourself, and you will watch it grow as you keep the action going, keeping the thought alive, pushing out Forgetfulness from our life.

Forgetfulness is the cloud of depression that we all get caught up with. It is the stress we deal with and the resentment we feel. We get pulled into ourselves and don’t do much action, or not nearly enough of what we should be doing. This inaction brings on a sad and forgetful tone, which is where we find ourselves floating in the Tohu and Bohu, the ether of the world, the static electricity holding consciousness together. And for this we need clear and physical reminders to wake us up constantly.

The point of my blog is for me to feel as though I am creating a collaborative world with the reader. It is as though “my thoughts are my letter to the world, and I would like to hear how you have received them?” It is like speaking to a friend when my friend is not around. It is the act of slowing down Tohu and Bohu, gliding through Choshech, (חש”ך = שכח”ה) and from there into Or, light.

My way of bringing light into the world is by my understanding of belief. And my understanding of belief is that we must build our belief. And building it means that we keep this belief alive and strong by enacting it against all odds. Which means that in order for me to be ready on stage when the spotlight shines, I need to build that stage. Action is what must be done. We don’t win wars with sitting ducks.

Ki Seitze. There is a path you have to take. And there will be war upon that road. Over time you will learn what is most important to you in life: your humanity or earthly impulse? What kind of action would you rather be taking? If you’re taking an action anyhow, why not take the easier and more selfish one?

Well, we all know the ending of that guy.

We go into life with an attitude for action. Many feel overwhelmed as they ask, “What action should I take? I don’t know what I’m good at!” Let me tell you what to do: Tefillah. Taking a stand for even ten minutes and truly focusing on our needs is considered an action that has a huge impact on our future. Do it consistently and you will see the change happen. And all this is because something was important to you and you want to see it come to fruition. 

Good Shabbos

Duvi Lemmer

Lemmerhypnotherapy.com