With shmiras einayim as an enterprise, what day-to-day effects are we about to trigger and what kind of benefits will we enjoy? Lots of them, and quite quickly too. Carefully guarded eyes are ready and fit to be enlightened by the Torah. Clues to this are found in the wording of our tefillos, והאר עינינו בתורתך - Light up our eyes with Your Torah, we ask daily before Shema in Shacharis. Also in Tehillim (119:18), Dovid Hamelech begs, גל עיני ואביטה נפלאות מתורתך - Unveil my eyes that I may perceive wonders from Your Torah. It’s so much more meaningful when we implore Hashem to light up our eyes while we ourselves keep them under control.
As we break free from the grip of the yeitzer hora, our script changes. We function more independently and it becomes second nature to refrain from viewing the vulgar. Soon we will feel altogether calmer, less distracted and more focused as the kedusha side of our personality is activated in our day, our thinking, and our emotions.
Rav M. Y. Lefkowitz, ztz"l, tells how shmiras einayim induces calmness and serenity. By shielding one’s eyes from the competing outside distractions, ramparts are erected around one’s very own space. Within its tranquil confines, there lies the yearned-for peace of mind. It’s a win-win situation, bringing inner balance and tranquility.
Looking at the forbidden prevents enthusiasm for mitzvos from warming one’s heart, warns Rav Matisyahu Salomon.
After being aroused to improve our purity of sight and thought, we need to be alert - shmiras einayim challenges do not take any holidays. It can be all too easy to let our standards slip. But we cannot afford to give our vigilance a break. Being inconsistent makes the struggle so much harder when we take up the fight anew.
Chazal’s words - "It’s as fragile as fine crystal" - could well be applied to the middah of shmiras einayim.