a student of the Baal Shem Tov, teaches that we only have seven types of thoughts.
Every thought comes from one of seven emotional qualities.
Kabbalah teaches that each quality can be expressed in a healthy way or a misguided way.
A misguided expression is called a fallen spark.
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Misguided thinking is possible because the Creator conceals His giving, which lets a person feel independent.
Survival-mode thinking is one result of that hiddenness: the mind starts asking, “How do I protect myself?” instead of, “How do I reveal goodness?”
Beauty can become vanity, showing off.
Love can become people-pleasing, avoiding rejection.
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Chabad Chassidus explains that the mind is the bridge between G-dliness and the emotions.
By G-dliness, I mean the Creator’s goodness being revealed in the world.
When wisdom becomes calculation instead of curiosity, it stops channeling G-dliness into revealed goodness.
The emotional qualities then become easier to misguide.
When wisdom is connected to G-dliness, curiosity, and truth, the emotional qualities become easier to lift back up.
That is why fallen Chabad sparks affect the other sparks.
Chabad means wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
And repairing Chabad helps repair the rest.
Getting better at awareness, self-compassion, compassion, boundaries and self-forgiveness is how you repair fallen energy.
“Most people think they have thousands of types of thoughts. Kabbalah says you only have seven.”
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Related guides:
Rabbi YY Jacobson gave a lengthy recorded class on the Chernobyl Maggid teaching.
How does Chassidus, teachings through the Baal Shem Tov, explain the Creator? https://nextself.ai/spirituality/the-word-god-is-a-descriptive-name/
The 13 principles of faith by Maimonides have to be understood through Chabad Chassidus to be healing for the nervous system: https://nextself.ai/spirituality/beliefs-are-not-only-an-idea/