Feel Good Now

I recently attended a lecture by Rabbi Moshe Gersht who stated that the desire to feel good is the underpinning of our lives.  At a lower level this means eating drinking and being merry because eventually we’re going to die. These physical indulgences are fleeting and ephemeral. Moreover, when we overindulge, we regret it immediately. 

A deeper level of feeling good requires insight, clarity, and gratitude. We are trained to think that “good” is what we want it to be. The Torah teaches that good is the reality that is created by Hashem. Good is knowing that the world is not an accident, and nothing is random. There is an underlying guiding force, a Universal Intelligence. By knowing this truth and aligning yourself with it, you’ll realize that things are working out in your favor, and everything has a purpose. 

The Gemara says if you really want to live, die before you die. One thing for sure, we are all going to die at some point. Eventually we will go to the other side. From this vantage point we’ll see there were no accidents, no mistakes. Throughout our entire lives everything was working out for the good. Why wait? Embrace this truth now and you’ll live with joy and peace of mind. 

This reminds me of Rabbi Arush’s teaching that when you realize everything comes from Hashem, that He loves you, and that it’s all for the best, your Mashiach has already come. 

Rabbi Gersht urges us live with a state of acceptance and stop resisting life. “Now” is all there is. The Baal Shem Tov says every person must have this line running through their heads: “I only have one moment in this world, and that moment is right now.” 

The pain you experience in your life happens because you are not living in the now moment. You spend too much time worried about the future or upset about the past. You’re going to feel great when you can let go. Let go of the fear of the future and the pain of the past and live fully in the present. 

When you look behind the doors of all your desires, you’ll understand that you want things because you think they’ll make you feel good. What if you could feel good without having to run after the objects of your desire? What if you could feel good right now? 

Rabbi Gersht stated that there are two types of values:  

• Resume values – These are all the things we’ve done that make us appear worthy in the eyes of others.
• Obituary values – These are what we talk about at the end of a person’s life. The person was good, kind, loving, caring, and lived with purpose. We think of these big values when it’s all said and done. 
   
  We need to understand that the better we are in this second transcendent category the better we do in the first category of resume accomplishments. We should not push off pursuit of obituary values. Priority # 1: How can we make sure we’re in harmony with those higher truths?  

Rabbi Gersht recommends two things to get started on the road to feeling good now. 
 

• Eliminate the word “should”  
  

  This inevitably causes pain. Instead of “should” say “could.” This word makes you feel different. It’s empowering optimistic and forward looking. Stop complaining and blaming ourselves or others. Instead of fixing the blame, fix the problem. 

  When you fight life, you feel pain. No outcomes are yours and all outcomes are good when we realize that Hashem orchestrates all results. The only thing we control are our choices                                                                            

• Practice gratitude 
  Active appreciation can change your life. For example, focus on your family and loved ones. When you contemplate what you really value and already have, you’re not focusing on what causes you pain. It makes you feel grateful and brings you into the present moment. 

 
I recall advice I read from a 90-year-old lady who explained how she lived with health to an advanced age: “Don’t worry about anything, pray about everything, and always be grateful.” 
 
I highly recommend Rabbi Gersht’s wonderful book entitled It’s All the Same to Me. I am currently reading it for the fourth time and find this to be life transforming. 
 

In conclusion here are my personal takeaways from his lecture: 

• Feel good now without having to get more. Don’t wait, go straight to happiness. 
• Realize that everything that happens is from Hashem and is working out in your favor. As Rabbi Arush teaches, just because we can’t see the good doesn’t mean it’s not there. 
• Live in the now moment. This will maximize your calmness, courage, and ability to serve the Creator. 
• Take time to focus on the values that really matter. Set aside time to reflect and discuss your perceptions with Hashem every day.  
• Stay away from complaints and express gratitude for all the goodness in our lives. 
• Realize that Hashem is in charge of all outcomes, accomplishments and results. He loves you and does only what’s best for you. 
• Keep Hashem before you at all times, in your heart and in your mind. This will upgrade the way you think, speak and act. You’ll truly feel good, right now!