[Previous: We have a mitzvah not to fear in war which means it can be done. The mitzva is not to welcome any negative thoughts that scare you – ignore them. This method can be used in everyday life worries, not to welcome and linger on negative thoughts that worry you. You have control about what you think, speak and do. Letter continued:]
The best way to distract your mind from worry and sad thoughts is to steer your thoughts towards other things. In worldly matters: like things that need to be done, or towards things that make you happy.
[In the spiritual realm:] keep your mind busy with learning Torah daily, which lifts up a person [Tehillim 19,9], kevios itim laTorah, especially with a chavrusa (learning nigla d’Torah – halochos etc. and penimious haTorah – maamarim etc.)
Another important thing is not to speak about sad things – mara shchora, chas veshalom. Instead, do the opposite: show yourself as if you are in a good mood, joyful, although inside, you do not feel that way at all. The end result will be you will become a more positive and happier person, because the actions of a person take root in his heart, as the Rambam says (Hilchos De’os, end of Perek 1). By doing this once, twice, three times, [enough times] until the actions become internalized permanently in the soul. ... [To be continued.]
==== Igros Kodesh Tzemach Tzedek P21.
