By COLlive reporter
You’re most likely familiar with these concepts, at least theoretically. Personal freedom, self-esteem based on our true value, that we were placed here by Hashem, on purpose, for a purpose. Developing inner strength and honesty through this awareness. Having genuine patience and acceptance. Not being a slave to our emotions and initial gut reactions triggered by challenging people and events in our lives.
But you also know how hard they are to truly live by and utilize – especially in times of stress. When our kids are whining, we’re insulted by our spouse’s comment, criticized by our boss – having equanimity and responding from the perspective of our eternal neshama can be really, really hard.
A new book, more than a book – a friend and guide – is here to help. “It’s Within You” is an engaging read, replete with the kind of real life challenges we all face, including quotes and examples of triumph from luminaries like Natan Sharansky and Viktor Frankl, targeted and relevant snippets of Chassidus, and questions and exercises to help readers see themselves more honestly and gain user-friendly tools for growth.
Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein, Chabad Shliach and popular lecturer from Lubavitch of Bucks County partnered with psychotherapist Dr. Ilene S. Cohen to author It’s Within You.
The authors hope their book will help readers gain “a very concrete understanding of how ego and self-oriented living negatively affects almost everything we think, say and do. Realizing how deeply we sabotage the relationships we want to deepen, the children we’re trying to raise and the influence we’re attempting to bring to the world by being stuck in self-orientation, is the greatest motivator to truly internalize the values of Chassidus in a deeper way.” Full of honest self-disclosure, the authors explain that “this is a guide to mastering your sense of self and self-worth so you can connect with others and world around you in a different way.”
Although there are many self-help books and courses out there, It’s Within You is different. It’s an engaging blend of the deepest truths of Chassidus with cutting-edge psychological insight, with step-by-step exercises that can benefit both the devoted chosid and the man on the street. Many people can use a refreshing perspective and new tools. Who doesn’t have certain people and situations that make them feel vulnerable? “Do you sometimes feel a sense of worthiness just by being yourself, but other times feel like you’re not enough?” Those troubling relationships can be signs calling for introspection and growth, and It’s Within You gives real-life tools for change.
As the subtitle states, the book is “A Detailed Road Map to Igniting Deeper Self-Worth, Richer Relationships and Greater Personal Freedom – A Powerful Synthesis of Modern Psychology and Ancient Spiritual Wisdom.”
“We hope our book will make a real difference. So many of the problems people face today, including strife, divorce and addiction, stem from one core issue that underlies so much pain. We are not offering a glossy quick fix, but a real life, friendly and readable map for growth,” say Rabbi Weinstein and Dr. Cohen.
VIDEO: Rabbi Weinstein launches the book with a public talk
The book is both comprehensive and easy to read, offering a practical guide to recognizing our roadblocks and gently forging a deeper and truer way to be. This information is vital. As Rabbi Weinstein says, “Just as we must have oxygen to survive, we must have a sense of worthiness, our emotional and spiritual survival depends on it. Where we get our worthiness from determines much of how we shape our life.”
The book is getting important acclaim. Rabbi Simon Jacobson says, “A superb contribution, with the power to enhance and transform the lives of its readers.”
Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf comments, “The authors have compiled a wisdom-laden, and confidently prescriptive manual that provides direction and content to our lives, skillfully embracing spiritual authenticity and professional experience.”
Jasmin Terrany, psychotherapist says, “I consider myself to be a relatively confident person and wasn’t expecting to read anything that I didn’t already know but the humble yet provoking nature
of this book not only opened my eyes to new perspectives but challenged me to dig even deeper and fine tune my ‘worthiness’ muscle.”
It’s Within You is sold on Amazon.com and at your local Jewish book stores.
Its Within You is a refreshing, honest, insightful and practical exploration of self growth. It’s a smooth and interesting read and left me with lots of food for thought and tools to work with.