“It is the forces of evil that entangle our thoughts with countless detours, distractions, and confusions.” (Likutey Halakhot, Rabbi Nathan of Breslov)
Who hasn’t felt their thoughts pulled in every direction? One idea chases another, a thousand distractions pile up, and we gradually lose our grip on what really matters. Rabbi Nathan teaches us here that this inner chaos is not neutral — it is fueled by the forces of evil.
Their goal isn’t necessarily to push us into major sin. Often, it’s enough for them to confuse us, to gently divert us — a sound, a worry, an image — until our connection to Hashem begins to fade. Because everything starts in the mind.
Understanding this helps us become more watchful, but also more patient with ourselves. This is a daily battle. And sometimes, refocusing the mind takes only a breath, a word of prayer, a moment of silence. A return inward — to where the voice can finally be heard.
