6600 —התגברות על מחשבות מבלבלות והשגת שמחה על ידי התמקדות בתורה

B"H, 13 Kislev, 5719. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 8th of Kislev with its attachment, in which you write about your mood and health, and that confusing thoughts are troubling you, etc.

It is well known what is advised in such cases: distraction of attention. It is understood that distraction does not mean fighting against these thoughts, because any battle with a matter is the opposite of distraction from it; rather, one should not pay any attention at all to these thoughts. Since the power of thought is always active, distraction from any thought comes by thinking about something else entirely unrelated—ideally something connected to Torah. Then the saying "a little light pushes away much darkness—and all the more so a lot of light" is fulfilled.

As explained in many places (see Likkutei Torah by our master the Alter Rebbe on Vayikra [30d, 52d] and elsewhere), things engraved in one's memory are constantly present in a person and even influence him—albeit in an encompassing way. Therefore it is proper to know by heart some chapters of Mishnayos or at least one chapter of Tanya, and from time to time review them verbally or mentally.

Above all that was said above is contemplation on the concept of Divine Providence according to the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov—that it applies to every single individual and down to every detail in his life. This Providence comes from Hashem Himself who is absolute goodness, and it is the nature of good to do good. Thus this contemplation will surely result in true joy and negate sadness—as it says: "Hashem is with me; I will not fear." These matters are also explained in Tanya in many places—as indicated in the index of topics in Tanya published by Kehot.

In honor of the approaching bright day of Yud-Tes Kislev, I conclude my letter with a blessing for good news regarding all that was mentioned above—good that is visible and revealed. Especially since Divine Providence has placed you in a place of light to engage in true goodness: goodness toward Heaven, toward people, and goodness that produces fruit (Kiddushin 40a). And according to G‑d's measure—which multiplies everything many times over—He will also bestow upon you abundant good.

With honor and blessings for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that instead of battling negative or confusing thoughts directly, one should redirect their mind toward Torah study and positive contemplation—especially on Divine Providence—which brings true joy and dispels sadness.