The greatest blessings a person can have is the knowledge that in any given situation in life he did his best!
One of the greatest blessings a person can have is the knowledge that in any given situation in life, he did his best. God did not create us to be angels (cf. Avodah Zarah 3a). Only human, we have our daily ups-and-downs and are subject to variations in mood, feelings and desires. It is irrelevant whether these changes result from internal or external pressures. We are subject to them. Because of this, Rebbe Nachman teaches: Keep it simple. Do not expect every day to be the same. Do not expect perfection, even from yourself. Do what you can, when you can. This way you remain flexible enough to adapt to any situation.
This is the Simpleton. He lives in the present, never fretting over past memories or future expectations. He has the confidence to believe that whatever comes his way, he will always do the best he can. This may explain why the same word, Tamim, is used for simplicity and wholeness. If a person is really whole, then he has enough self-confidence to be simple. He doesn’t find it necessary to impress others with his sophistication. In addition, the simple person, like the Simpleton, is always happy because of his simple approach.
Rebbe Nachman teaches: Keep it simple. Do not expect every day to be the same. Do not expect perfection, even from yourself. Do what you can, when you can!
The Sophisticate, however, is constantly worried. He frets about the future and despairs over what others think., Will my means of livelihood last forever? Is this fashion and style acceptable in good company? What will others say of me should they discover my work has imperfections? These insecurities demand that he put on an air of sophistication, and occasionally even deception. Due to all this anxiety, his busy and complex life brings him only misery and discomfort.
Live in the present, never fretting over past memories or future expectations…
Rebbe Nachman teaches: Were it true that cleverness and “wisdoms” are required for serving Hashem, how could the simple folk, those who do not have great intellect, be expected to serve God? Use only simplicity in serving Him. Simple fear of Heaven. Simple fulfillment of mitzvot and good deeds. Do not complicate matters. This only leads one to deviate from the truth. Above all else, keep it SIMPLE! (cf. Likutey Moharan II, 19).
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Simplicity, especially in these modern, sophisticated times, is a rare and very great blessing. As Rebbe Nachman teaches: There will come a time when a simple religious man will be as rare and unique as the Baal Shem Tov (Rebbe Nachman’s Wisdom #36).
* * *(taken from the book – Crossing the Narrow Bridge – A Practical Guide to Rebbe Nachman’s Teachings; chapter 1 – Simplicity; pp. 23-24)
