Tanya Tools

Sometimes we desire inappropriate things. In a marriage, if someone is desiring someone else outside the relationship, demonstrates a deep weakness in the bond. The same is true with our connection to G-d.

When we refrain from the forbidden, we are being true to G-d, but ultimately we should strive to feel naturally uncomfortable desiring something against G-d's will.

When attacked with evil, shine your light.

If a person has two souls, the definition of the core is good.

If you struggle without success, appeal to G-d's compassion You are His only child.

Sometimes we try to shard to improve, and when truly trying, we feel strong temptation. Because of your hard work, the evil forces feel threatened. Ignore the temptations and keep working. Those inner negative voices will wither if not fed.

A distraction during prayer may just be there for the purpose of you fighting the distraction to propel the prayers even higher.

The more we strive the more the animal soul fights back. Difficulties are testimony to your strength

The soul is a piece of G-d. G-d is one with the soul. If you fall He will pick you up.

I might not be a saint, but there are many different types of pleasure. I am currently giving G-d pleasure, different, yet as enjoyable, as the greatest saint.

Part of the process is crushing evil, especially at the moment of temptaion. This may be my lifelong challenge and gift to G-d, refining me and transforming the world at the same time.

The saint's service is a sweet pleasure to G-d. Your service is too, for that of overcoming temptation and evil is equally pleasureable.

Sometimes we fee stuck in our struggles. Instead, note the value of your struggles. Know that G-d relishes in your struggle. Similar to fermented or spiced and cured foods, while the original food item may not be appetizing, the process has turned it into something pleasurable,

Make yourself holy. While you may not be, and you just act that way, ow that when one toils to crush temptation, G-d removes the evil impulse, removing it from the "playlist".

My job is to crush evil, then I change and the evil changes. This change is existential and life changing.

We can give G-d the pleasure of sweetness, by using evil to serve G-d, or give the pleasure of abstinence from evil, this would be compared to seasoning a naturally bitter food to make it palpable or even appetizing.

When we crush instead of indulge, taking something that is permissible, and delaying gratification, is a most precious gift to G-d.

When I don't give in to all that is pulling me, that is a gift that I give to G-d

A wrestling competition is a good parable. One who is sluggish will surely lose. This is why sadness is surely a folly of the evil side. Believe in your innate power and avoid sadness. Acting with vitality invites G-dliness into your life.

You may feel very remorseful, and it is in fact a trap from the evil inclination. When stuck in those thoughts try to focus on G-d's love for you as an ultimately worthwhile person, G-d's child.

SOmetimes people place sadness on a pedestal, as if it were a spiritual righteous feeling. In fact, it is a source of evil. When you see it coming, act with joy, count your blessings, and practice kindness.

We're willing to die for G-d. Our love for G-d is greater than love itself. Does G-d want us to give up our indulgences? If He does, I'm ready to comply.

Temptations abound. When I am willing to sacrifice my will for Him when I realize that my will, will whisk me away from Him. When these desires separate me from Him, it is time for self-sacrifice.

Penitence can be distorted. Enjoy now, repent later. This type of repentance is unacceptable, but remorse is. G-d always forgives.

To remove the grip of evil, remember how much you love G-d. When we focus more on G-d, the more natural it will be to completely serve Him.