For anyone who has an ideal set of values, and hopefully that includes you, dear reader, there may still be a disconnect between the intellect and the heart (hopefully, that does not include you). Yet, if so, that disconnect could lead to a disparity between a person’s sense of the ideal, and what is the actuality in his of her life. One way to make a conscious change for self-improvement has to do with the arena of tikkun hanefesh (renewal of the soul). The initial effort of renewal depends upon the careful observation of thought, speech and behavior over time, in order to review, discern, and make any necessary changes. On a more comprehensive scale, we can transcend our own negativity, failures, and broken dreams, by focusing on inner change.
Moreover, based upon our realization that we are not fully independent beings, that we have a connection to the divine; we may seek a connection to G-d, because that connection is inherent in the makeup of our being. For, we are created imatatio dei, in the image of G-d. In order to live up to His image, we need to find ways to express our imitation of Him. Within Judeo-Christian belief, this is done by adhering to the divine guidance given through scripture. Thus, we may transition from being subject to our fallen nature, by striving for righteousness in our lives, based on the expectations of G-d.
“Saith the L-RD, I will put My law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
– Jeremiah 31:33, JPS 1917 Tanach
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