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Tags:I FEEL NERVOUS AND UPSET
When we feel nervous and out of sorts, this does not mean that anything is really wrong. It does indicate that, for the moment, we have lost self-control, and lack the great joyous feeling of interest in life. We need not indulge the spasm of hopelessness, but must counteract it by action.
The simplest method is first to relax every muscle, clear the mind by letting it lie fallow, without concentrating upon anything. Then gradually allow the sense of peace, comfort, courage to seep down from the central mind into the subconscious. We repeat to ourselves some of the finest and most stimulating words of Psalmist and Prophet. “The Lord is with me, why should I fear?” “Help me, O Lord, and I shall be helped; heal me and I shall be healed!’
Now taking a new, fresh hold upon our problem, we see it clearly, and try to find a wise solution. If I am troubled about material matters, I begin to work, and perhaps consult some friend, who may advise me to advantage. But I do not allow myself to sit and worry, or excuse myself by saying: “I can’t help it, everything is going wrong.” It goes wrong only because we do not work quietly, hopefully and sanely to make it right.
If I quiet myself first, I am then ready to see clearly and to judge fairly, and find it not nearly so bad as it seemed when I was depressed. There is always a right way out and I prove my Spirit-power by finding this way. It is a mistake for me to think that every one is against me. The fact is that many are ready to aid all who try to help themselves by hard work and courageous effort.
No one can perturb me so long as I am quiet within, and that is a matter of self-control, enforced by my own Spiritual advancement. I know that nothing is worth worrying about, being angry over, or becoming excited over. Then I possess my soul in patience and calmly await the issue, working my way towards the end I have in view, confident that I shall attain as much as I deserve and more, because of the aid of God. I am certain of that help, because it has come to every one who sought it Spiritually, and directly. I am working in accordance with the will of God as expressed in the laws of life. And I feel that the help of God is ever present, so that I may face every issue of life, coolly, courageously, and sure of the added power that comes from God alone.
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All adrift on the stream of life, I come to Thee for guidance and for help. I have lost my better self, and would regain it, in the Spirit that comes from Thee. | |
Aid me as I strive to reach my higher self, by the knowledge that Thou art ever at my side, helping and loving me back to happiness and health. | |
Show me how strong I may become through love of Thee, and reliance upon Thine aid. | |
Lift me up to self-control, to mastery of my weaker being, that I may be strong again, through love of Thee. | |
Remove my weakness, my fears, my misgivings, and give me once more that hold upon life which is rightly mine. | |
Let me forget myself, as I labor for others in Thy Name, and feel Thy strength given me in full measure. | |
Show me Thy way, O Lord, and let me walk therein, in peace, in strength and in joy. Amen. |
This untitled prayer by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy accompanied his short reflection, “I Feel Nervous and Upset” found in The Helpful Manual (Centre of Jewish Science, 1927), pp. 15-16.
Source(s)
““All adrift on the stream of life” a prayer for help and self-control by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy (1927)” is shared through the Open Siddur Project with a Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication 1.0 Universal license.
Aharon N. Varady (editing/transcription)
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