Emuna Therapy

Today's Live Broadcast: Journey to Yourself

What brings meaning and purpose to somebody's life? Forty years ago I would have said:  to be a starting forward for the New York Knicks.  During my college years, it was about the freedom to do as I pleased; and, later on, when this nagging question got worse, I tried to comfort myself by thinking that I would find my ultimate satisfaction in being a psychotherapist...or so I thought.

I always admired people who were passionate about a mission or cause that was dear to them such as the civil rights movement and other types of humanitarian causes.  Even if they seemed quirky, naïve or fanatical, people who really believe in something, a cause which is greater than themselves, live with a broader more encompassing sense of purpose than someone who defines himself as a "therapist," a "lawyer," a "teacher," a fireman." As I studied these people, I found that most of them were ready to die for what they believed in.  

How does a person become a believer in something worth dying for?

Only when he leaves himself behind. It's when he forgets about himself that he starts to know something about his life's true mission. It's when he gets a reprieve from the perpetual knot in his head that he gets that bit of clarity and wisdom that enables him to "see." Knowledge about spirituality comes naturally to a person who lets it in.  He does not need to strain himself to achieve this knowledge. It comes from outside his "power of reasoning," it comes from beyond.  This is the subject of today's lesson. I hope you can join me!

G-d Willing we'll be broadcasting today's lesson live from the Chut Shel Chesed Yeshiva in Jerusalem at 5:00 PM Israel time. The broadcast, as well as my lessons posted are Mac and iPod compatible. If you tune in too early to the live broadcast link, you'll be sent to the main page of the Breslev Israel website, so try to tune in as follows: 10:00 AM in NY; 7:00 AM in LA and the West Coast, 8:00 AM Denver, 10:00 AM Mexico and Central Daylight; 3:00PM in the UK, 5:00 PM Johannesburg and Capetown, 5:00 PM Israel. G-d willing, we'll try and post a link to the lesson for all those who couldn't see it live by 12:01 AM Monday (Israel time). If you can't see the broadcast, you might need to download a new version of Flash Media player, which you can do here. We hope you enjoy the broadcast.

With blessings,

Dr. Zev Ballen

The Shavuot Experience

 

Your self has certain invisible personal boundaries which at times separate you from other people and the beautiful flow of life around you. We need our personal boundaries for our sense of individuality and identity and yet when our boundaries become a bit too rigid, then we may feel somewhat anxious, lonely, irritable or like you're carrying the burden of the whole world on your shoulders. If you ever experience any of these unpleasant symptoms try this:

1. Close your eyes and imagine that you are standing with hundreds of thousands of people at Mount Sinai at the historic giving of the Torah ( by giving us His Torah, G-d, is about to transform the whole world from a barren wilderness into a world with spiritual existence).

2. Imagine, in your own way, your personal boundaries sort of dissolving or melting away as you breath and allow yourself to feel more at one with the others and with Hashem.

3. Allow yourself to let go and feel the blissful oneness of being connected to the One cosmic soul that joins you to EVERYBODY and EVERYTHING.

4. As you are becoming more connected with others and the flow of life, your personal problems, pains and worries are simply dissipating and flowing away and you are able to stop all your striving and just yield to G-d!

Happy Shavuot, cherished friends,

Dr. Zev Ballen

A Mother's Torah

 

This is the first in a series of exciting new lessons which show the beautiful "fit" between how healthy children develop physically, emotionally and spiritually at the same time. Learn how a mother's loving ministrations enable her new-born infant to develop into the spiritual giant he or she was meant to be.

With blessings for a great new week!

Dr. Zev Ballen

A Non-Conformist

In a world where so many people are so far from real happiness, a thinking person realizes that there is no choice other than living life differently than the great majority of people.

With blessings,

Dr. Zev Ballen

 

 

Reclaiming Your Past

The Raynauds are a family I recently worked with, who started off in a non-Jewish background. After a few years, they developed a spiritual thirst and they started exploring various options for getting closer to G-d, and ultimately, they decided they wanted to become Orthodox Jews. Anyone who knows anything about Orthodox conversion processes knows that it can take a long time. The couple spent months and years learning more about Judaism, until they got to the point of becoming part of the Jewish people.
 
When they finally got to the point of converting, they understandably wanted to disown and deny those parts of their personalities that enjoyed the activities they did before they got religious, like listening to non-Jewish music, or being sports fans. One of the pastimes that this couple used to particularly enjoy, in their previous life, was lifting weights and working out in the gym.
 
Fast-forward a few years, and this couple finds that one of their children is causing them a lot of sorrow, disappointment and pain. They couldn't understand why or how it's happening, because they barely had any non-Jewish music or literature or anything else in their home, yet their son is getting into all sorts of non-Jewish things. They were tearing their hair out, wondering where all the secular influences are comings from and what they can do to stop their son from being influenced. Continue reading here...

With blessings,

Dr. Zev Ballen

Today's Live Broadcast: Individuality

photo by Cree

Everyone needs to find their own true self and actualize their uniqueness, yet we also need to fit in with others and feel accepted. How we can accomplish this is the subject of today's broadcast. I hope you'll join me!

G-d Willing we'll be broadcasting today's lesson live from the Chut Shel Chesed Yeshiva in Jerusalem at 5:00 PM Israel time. The broadcast, as well as my lessons posted are Mac and iPod compatible. If you tune in too early to the live broadcast link, you'll be sent to the main page of the Breslev Israel website, so try to tune in as follows: 7:00 AM in LA and the West Coast, 8:00 AM Denver, 9:00 AM Mexico and Central Daylight, 10 AM EDT, 3 PM in the UK, 5:00 PM Johannesburg and Capetown, 5:00 PM Israel. G-d willing, we'll try and post a link to the lesson for all those who couldn't see it live by 12:o1 AM Monday (Israel time).

Every blessing,

Dr. Zev Ballen

Live Broadcast Today: You're a Shining Star

photo credit:mightyquinninwky

Emuna adds common sense to your intellect. Today, I'll talk about how simple common sense can remove all of your worry and sadness and empower you  to reach for your shining star!

G-d Willing we'll be broadcasting today's lesson live from the Chut Shel Chesed Yeshiva in Jerusalem at 5:00 PM Israel time. The broadcast, as well as my lessons posted are Mac and iPod compatible. If you tune in too early to the live broadcast link, you'll be sent to the main page of the Breslev Israel website, so try to tune in as follows: 7:00 AM in LA and the West Coast, 8:00 AM Denver, 9:00 AM Mexico and Central Daylight, 10 AM EDT, 3 PM in the UK, 5:00 PM Johannesburg and Capetown, 5:00 PM Israel. G-d willing, we'll try and post a link to the lesson for all those who couldn't see it live by 12:o1 AM Monday (Israel time).

Every blessing,

Dr. Zev Ballen

Missed Signs

David had been trying to please his parents and do well in Yeshiva for most of his life. The problem was that it was becoming academically too challenging for him. His self-esteem suffered terribly because he found himself dropping further and further behind his class especially as his Rebbe's became less supportive and understanding. 

Finally, when he couldn't take it anymore, David walked out of Yeshiva and went home. How did his parents react? They were in shock. What did they do? You can read the whole story in Don't Worry Father. which Breslev Israel was kind enough to publish.

Here are the other articles published by Breslev Israel this week: 

Breslever Shtick

The Newsmaker

On Territorial Concessions

30 Minutes To Glory

The Mystical Kinneret

The Power of Tikkun Chatzot

Partners With Hashem

Baby Steps 

The Worst Comes True

With Blessings for a Great Week,

Dr. Zev Ballen

The Old Neighborhood

My friend has a son who he loves dearly. From the moment of his birth, my friend has loved and sheltered his child from harmful influences. When the boy was about ten, my friend moved his family to an ultra-orthodox neighborhood, and further insulated his son from the world-at-large. One day, Alan told his father that he wanted to go back to the old neighborhood to visit his childhood friends. His father was against it, but Alan was determined to go. Alan left his father to explore his roots. He missed his old friends and was curious about the life that his parents had led before he was born. 

My friend knew that Hashem was leading his son in this way, so he turned to Hashem with tears saying: "Hashem, I know that it's You who is taking my child to that place where You Yourself won't dwell! - and I know that I can't stop You, though I wish that I could.

  

You are testing me, Hashem, and You are testing my son too. So I'm begging You, G-d of Mercy - return my precious child to me at once!" 

The boy arrived at the Los Angeles airport and his uncle picked him up. Alan's uncle immediately lavished him with attention. He took him straight to the shopping mall and bought him expensive gifts. When they got home, Alan prayed the mincha service and unpacked some of his food from Israel. "Why do you have to eat that food?" asked the uncle. "And why do you have to pray three times a day? Do you really think that G-d cares about these things?" "Of course He cares", Alan answered. "I'm doing these things for Him." "Oh that's ridicules, said the Uncle, you've been brainwashed. There's so much in life that you're missing. Your parents haven't educated you properly. But I'll take you out and show you how to have fun. I want you to enjoy your stay with me. Now is the time to expand your horizons, Alan. We'll go horseback riding and then I'll take you to a club where they have music that you'll really love." Then he took the boy to his room and said: "Douglas is away, you can stay in his room, Alan. There's a computer in it. I know that teenagers can't be without a computer. You'll have complete privacy to do whatever you want here." Alan closed the door and felt a deep sadness. He never felt more alone in his life.

As he looked up at the computer, Alan's heart froze. He understood the new "privilege" he had been given...Continue reading here.

 Blessings Aways,

Dr. Zev Ballen

 

Don't Worry, Father

 

 

by Dr. Zev Ballen

 
Rabbi Shalom Arush teaches us about the importance of consulting with a Rabbi or a respected friend before making major life decisions -- but when it comes to finding ones unique purpose and mission in life -- says Rabbi Arush --- not even a Rabbi can help a person to figure that out. 

How can Rav Arush expect us to not be critical of our teenager's choices when they are still so impressionable and impulsive. What will become of our kids if we don't try to stop them from making the wrong choices? Read about David who left his parent's way of life to find himself; and how his parents, who were initially horrified, used the teachings of Rav Arush to transform their hurt and shame into a joy that they had never known. Read the whole story in:  Don't Worry Father.

Wishing you Blessings Always,

Dr. Zev Ballen