Perceive the Divine in Everything
We should seek the knowledge of Hashem from each particular matter in which we involve ourselves. This is similar to the directive of the Ba’al Shem Tov, that “from everything we hear or see (even the minutest detail), we should take a lesson for our divine service.”
… Since our entire existence, including every last detail of our affairs throughout the entire day, are permeated with “knowing Him.” (Ibid., p. 314)
70. … The same applies to all other “permissible” [mundane] matters (“all of your paths”); even within these affairs, you should know Hashem. (Ibid., p. 305)
71. A loose leaf is led from Above Contemplate the teaching of the Ba’al Shem Tov … that Divine Providence extends even to a solitary leaf blown off a tree, and causes it to spin and rotate in precise movements, revolving from side to side according to the Plan… (Ibid.)
72. The act of living … Begin with the very start of the day: The moment you stir from your sleep, no sooner you sense that you are alive (for one’s sense of self-existence is also considered part of “your paths”), and even before you [wash your hands and] are permitted to study Torah, thank Hashem by declaring modeh ani lefanecha … shehechezarta bi nishmasi… – “I thank You … for restoring my soul within me…” (Ibid.)
Constantly created anew
Without great exertion, and even with ease, we are able to discover within each matter, its association with “knowing Hashem.” This is in addition to contemplating a fundamental truth (explained by the Ba’al Shem Tov) – that all existence is being created anew from absolute nothingness each and every moment; as it is stated, hamechadesh betuvo bechal yom tamid (bechal rega verega) maasei bereishis, “In His kindness, He renews the work of Creation constantly, each day (and each and every moment).” There is no greater unification with Hashem than when one contemplates how at this very moment, literally, the existence of all Creation is being created anew from the Essence of Hashem (“Who has no prior origin or cause preceding Him”) – from Him, the True Existence! (Parshas Behar-Bechukosai, Iyar 8, 11 and 15 5748; Hisvaaduyos p. 271)
