The walk to the beis hamussar [which we will interpret as “the study of mussar”] is a very easy matter — even for someone who is immersed in worldly affairs during the week.The study of mussar is obligatory upon man — especially upon a person who is preoccupied with his worldly affairs and whose Divine service is hampered by spiritual illness. This is so even though it is no easy matter to apply mussar to treat a grave illness in need of powerful ministrations. (Ohr Yisrael, Letter Six)
How can one help feeling overwhelmed when one realizes that the ultimate goal of mussar is to heal our souls?
Do not be discouraged! Just use the formula that Rav Yisrael advised in yesterday’s segment. Specifically, he taught us that we should be focused on first observing the easy precepts or the easy aspects of the precepts.
While Rav Yisrael does write that “it is no easy matter to apply mussar,” he also says that mussar study “is a very easy matter.” His intention is not to intimidate us but to encourage us! He has separated the various aspects of mussar into their appropriate categories, i.e., easy or difficult. Thus, he has shown us the light regarding our approach to mussar, i.e., that there is an easy aspect of mussar for us to engage in.
Yes, to apply mussar to heal the soul is “difficult,” i.e., it takes time and effort. However, the easy aspect (and reward) of studying mussar is not nullified by the difficult effort required to apply mussar to heal the soul. Each aspect exists separately and functions independently.
In conclusion, at this stage your study of mussar is easy. Therefore, the primary imperative to effect repentance is to engage in mussar study. (In the next segment we will deal with the difficult aspect of mussar — the application to healing the soul.)
Implement:
Fulfill the easy aspect of mussar — learn it today and every day.