Each person must determine which areas in his life are his accident-prone zones. A calm frame of mind and being far away from places of temptation, provide a relaxed setting that is ideal for laying careful plans on how to disengage from probable pitfalls. This will initiate a breakthrough in cutting his opponent down to size and forestalling snags.
Let him recall the magnificent garden of beautifully fragranced roses that he has so longed to cultivate inside his neshama - all those masses of velvety petals in every vibrant hue. Then let him review what he’ll need to do to restore that lovely garden; not just to sweep the paths, but to prune all unnecessary foliage and then to tackle the weeds, one by one. They have quickly grown tall and overarching, blocking out the sunlight from reaching the precious soil. It will require a strong hand to uproot them all and toss them into the waste heap, ready for the bonfire.
Please appreciate that there is a cost to shmiras einayim. It reduces one’s choice of entertainment, modifies one’s social calendar, and may even mean passing up an opportunity for financial advancement. Shmiras einayim is a task that necessitates earnest application and a certain amount of sacrifice, but so is anything else in This World that’s really worthwhile.
Here are a few examples of effortlessly availing ourselves of the ever-present opportunities to earn Olam Haba by pre-empting trouble:
If a friend stops to speak to you on the street, you may feel it wisest to courteously curtail the conversation, but meanwhile why not maneuver yourself so as not to be facing the pedestrians? And if there is a vacant corner seat at the waiting room, it’s there waiting for you.
The trick is to keep far away from nasty potholes; slipups are greatly reduced when we avoid engaging in anything that could bring on impure thoughts. It all contributes to a successful shmiras einayim!
Inside us exists the wise mind that understands all about long-term goals and investments. Together with it resides the bodily instincts that are drawn to instant pleasure, with little vision of the future. The physical instincts, however, can be spoken to as one would explain something to a child. Children have limited grasp of the future, but if we speak to them on their level, they can follow the reasoning and choose to do what’s right. Using simple language one can similarly bring base urges to understand enough to be coaxed into conforming. Start off on the right foot by pausing for a moment to get your act together before stepping outdoors. This works like magic.
One may tell oneself: ״What’s in it for me? Nothing. I’ve unfortunately seen those things enough times before. It catches, confuses, and upsets me, and I walk away empty. I’d feel much better without it and just a couple of moments averting my gaze can help me retain my peace of mind. I’m not here for silly nonsense. Those candyfloss enticements that fool me over and over, overheat my lowly desires whilst simultaneously cooling off my Yiddishkeit. I’ve plenty else to get on with today. I don’t need it and don’t want it.״
Articulation makes an idea real. It enables one to focus on the words and achieve an inner resonance with the concept. For an even more tangible weapon, you could write a little note on an index card and keep it in your pocket. Then, when something really tempting threatens to overpower your better judgement and you’re in desperate need for a boost, it’ll be ready to come out and buoy you up to safety.
Don’t worry; you won’t have to do these things forever. It’s a short-term venture. Beginnings are never easy. Give it just a few weeks of real determination and the grip of the old cravings usually subside. The difficulties should start to melt away as the new order becomes more automatic. You’ll no longer need to keep briefing yourself over and over; all you’ll need is secondary but continuous input to keep you in the driver’s seat.