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Searching for happiness in our modern world of stress and struggle is common; finding it is more unusual. This guide explores and explains how to find joy through a time-honored, creative—and surprisingly practical—approach based on Kabbalah and the teachings of Jewish mystics.
The very core of the Jewish mystical tradition is centered on the belief that if our focus is spiritual, then true appreciation of our lives, and true joy, are possible. Step by step, Finding Joy describes the basis of happiness in the context of Jewish mystical tradition and shows, in an easy-to-understand way, how we can use its concept of the 10 divine "rays of light," the Sefirot, to remedy the everyday unhappiness in our lives.
Clear, creative, personal and down-to-earth, Finding Joy introduces the ancient insights of the Jewish mystics, and offers practical week-by-week exercises for the soul which bring them into our daily routines. Finding Joy is not an instant cure for modern life's burdens. Instead, it’s a guide to a time-honored method for thinking and living ... and finding real joy.
"This new book is not only practical and universal, but is deeply spiritual in its approach to finding happiness. Jewish mysticism transcends the traditional psychotherapies and 'feel-good' platitudes of today and provides solid, workable teachings about ourselves and the world in which we live."
—Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of number one best-selling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
"A direct and easy guide to a Jewish spirituality that doesn't make it 'a big deal.’ ‘So easy is this for you—so do-able with word and heart’ (Deut. 30:14)."
—Rabbi Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi
“Pithy, effective and remarkable.... A good read for those who seek to do good and enjoy happiness.”
—Msgr. Tom Hartman, The God Squad
Acknowledgments 9
Introduction 13
Chapter 1 Why Didn't You Enjoy All the Permitted Pleasures? 19
Chapter 2 Mind over Matter: If You Don’t Mind, It Doesn’t Matter 35
Chapter 3 The Battle for Our Minds 51
Chapter 4 Wanting It More; Enjoying It Less 63
Chapter 5 Getting Through the Pain 77
Chapter 6 Making Success and Ambition Work for You 91
Chapter 7 Creating a Road Map to Happiness 105
Chapter 8 Getting Your Attitude Adjusted 115
Chapter 9 Making Sense, Not Excuses 127
Chapter 10 The Power of "No" 141
Chapter 11 Be Mystical. Be Happy. 149
Chapter 12 Pursuing Happiness 163
Glossary 177
Suggested Readings 181