NOVARDOK
In Novardok, Kavod Meant Nothing
R' Bentzion Bruk Zatzal was once offered Sandak'aus at a bris, and it is a phenomenal Segula to be a Sandak (it is M'chaper on the worst sins). (R’Nosson Wachtfogel Zatzal once told someone that he should go all out for the Zechus of Sandak'aus; even travelling over the ocean when you get the opportunity. “Run! It's Gevaldig!”) Suddenly, R' Meir Chodosh Zatzal appeared at the Bris. ** As soon as R' Bentzion Bruk Zatzal saw that there was a Kavod issue in front of him, he fled! His son told me that Kavod was zero to him. "Go keep your Kibud! Let everyone speak about YOU that you got a Bracha under the chuppah, or you got Shelishi, or Maftir Yonah! In Novardok, the greatest Kavod was to flee from the fake pleasure of Kavod! *** A certain Yid had learned in Novardok, and after the war he lived in Bnei Brak and became a Rebbe. Once, he was approached by a super, top-top bachur. This bachur was considered to be a "rising star" in the Torah world, and he came to this Novardoker for Eitzos in Mussar and how to work on himself. This bachur was such a "name brand" that people considered it a tremendous Kavod to have any connection with him. **** Yet, when he came to ask for Eitzos, he was told: "I'm not qualified”, and the Rebbe refused to get involved in any way with this Gevaldige bachur. In Novardok, status meant nothing. Of course they are respectful of everyone. But they didn't fall for the Velt's weaknesses of worshipping "rising stars” and people of stature.
Focus Only on Hashem; Not on People
***** Do you know why they keep you waiting in doctors' offices, or on the phone, or in traffic jams? So you can spend that time talking to Hashem and focusing only on Him; not on people or circumstances. "You'll help me have a Refua, not the doctor," etc. So you learn to stop relying on anything outside Hashem. ****** The silliness of Kin'ah, Ta'ava, and Kavod; it's all Dimyon and "denial” of the beautiful truth of Torah and Mitzvos (and the incredible enjoyment of a blatt Gemara!) In Novardok they made a Birur HaMiddos to examine and see through all your fake pains. For example, your "holy" aggravation about your shortcomings, or your wife and/or kids not being frum and/or nice enough; it's all silly Redifas HaKavod, and don't be so sure you're L'shem Shamayim killing yourself over your petty shortcomings.