The Daily Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk – 8th Av, 5769
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GuardUrEyes
A website for Jews struggling to maintain their moral purity in today’s world |
Why is Sexual purity so important in Judaism? Our sages called Shmiras Habris “Yesod”, meaning “Foundation”. The foundation of a building is “underground” and no one sees it, yet it holds up the entire building! Shmiras Habris is the hidden part of a Jew, it’s the real you. If the foundation of a Jew is weak, his whole spiritual structure is fragile and in grave danger of collapse. At guardureyes.com we are finally joining together, for ourselves and for all future generations, to strengthen the foundations of our people!
There is a lot of material out there on the subject of guarding the eyes and the Bris, but sometimes “too much” is overwhelming.
A little bit each day is just right, to be able to read, digest and apply it to our lives.
The booklet “Windows to the Soul” by R’ Zvi Miller of the Salant foundation, is a MAN’S PRACTICAL GUIDE TO MASTERING HIS EYES. (Right click the link and choose “Save Target/Link As” to save the PDF booklet to your computer). To subscribe to eMussar, the daily lessons of the Salant Foundation, send email to salant@netvision.net.il
The Zohar compares this world to a churning ocean and the body of a man to a ship in the sea. Therefore, man requires knowledge in order to guide himself on a straight course, avoiding mishap and losing his way. The ocean of life roars fearfully and continuously. The winds of challenge blow and the negative impulse rips about like a tornado with unimaginable force. All of life comprises great and endless tests, which can easily capsize the ship and sink it into the murky, nethermost depths.
Yirat Shamayim and the study of Mussar will prevent the body from sinking into the miry depths of desire and corrupt character traits.
(Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer, Ohr Yisrael)
Today’s Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk
Perform the Mitzvot With Joy!
(Part 1)
The Arizal revealed that his great happiness in serving Hashem was the genesis of all the lofty spiritual levels he attained and the esoteric knowledge that he received.
“How can we utilize the various ideas that we learned to serve Hashem with great joy?”
Over the past posts, we have completed the guidebook “Windows to the Soul“. Now we have the wisdom, tools, and confidence to master our eyes.
The Ramchal wrote in Mesilat Yesharim (Introduction): “The benefit of this book is not gained by reading it one time, for it is possible that the reader won’t find many ideas that he didn’t already know. Rather the benefit from the book is gleaned from review and consistent study. In this way, the study of the book will remind him of concepts that are naturally forgotten by people. And he will remember his obligations which may have eluded him.”
Mastery of the eyes requires reviewing the laws and consistent study of the pertinent topics. Therefore, keep this PDF hand-book available and go through it periodically. Now that you know much of the ideas, you might prefer to read it straight through in a few sittings. Or perhaps, scroll to key parts that address the specific issues at hand.
In addition, you can print out the hand-book and study it with a partner or ask your Rabbi to give a class on Shmirat Einayim, using the sources of his choice.
Two Free e-Books, courtesy of GuardUrEyes that will change your life!
Right click on the links below and choose “Save Link/Target As” to download them to your computer. (Print them out to read at your leisure!)
The Guard Your Eyes Handbook.
The Guard Your Eyes Attitude.
The GuardUrEyes E-mail Chizuk Lists
The Yetzer Hara thinks of new ways to win us over every day. What better way to combat him than to have some chizuk and a new insight every day!
List 1.The GuardUrEyes Chizuk List – Breaking Free.
Receive each day antidotes, tips, articles or quotes from the holy texts, therapists and fellow strugglers, to help you break free of sexual addictions, pornography and/or masturbation.
List 2.General Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim
This list will focus less on the “addiction” aspect and more on general Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim that anyone can use, addicted or not. This list is less intense and explicit than the first, and is appropriate for everyone.
Please note: We strongly advise anyone who struggles with masturbation or pornography, even if infrequently, to join the first list as well.
Click here to join one (OR BOTH) of the Chizuk lists described below.
The tools on GuardUrEyes network include:
Two Daily Chizuk List options (hundreds of members!)
Hundreds of tips; divided into categories; tips from therapists, tips from other sites and from fellow strugglers.
An active and thriving forum – a powerful feature of group support
The “Jewish Healing Group“, an anonymous 12-Step group that meets on the phone once a week
A live hotline, for people to get advice and started on their journey to recovery
Sign up for a Partner / Sponsor. Download the Questionnaire
Many stories of recovery, struggles and suffering
An elaborate FAQ page
Over 20 filter options, and everything a person could want to know about filters
Important links
A section on the 12 steps
A "Kosher Isle" to help people find entertaining and more productive things to do with their time
Download here a powerful PDF file, translated from a Hebrew book called "The First Day of the Rest of My Life", to help people break free of sexual addictions
A Rehab Option in Florida
Many Therapy Options
An inspiring Music Page, to chase away the impurity and inspire thoughts of Teshuvah
A "Wall of Honor" page, to keep track of your sobriety and get group support
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Source: GuardUrEyes
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