Harnessing the Power of the First Senses: How Morning Vision, Hearing, and Speech Shape Your Spiritual Day

One of the most important stages of waking up in the morning is preparing our senses to receive Divine goodness. Each person has three senses that are deeply connected tot he inner vitality of the soul and therefore constantly active, even without conscious effort. These are sight, hearing, and smell.

Consciously connecting these senses to thoughts of goodness is essential in helping us align with Divine energy and spiritual light.

Crowning the Creator Over Our Senses

The righteous of earlier generations had the custom of "crowning" the Creator over each of their bodily faculties before even getting out of bed. It is told, for example, of Rabbi Shlomo Leib of Lentshna that he would not rise in the morning before dedicating each individual sense to G-d- especially the eyes- which the Talmud refers to as “the agents of sin”. This pertains not only to forbidden sights, but according to Kabbalah, even negative ways of seeing reality, when perception separates the world from the good within it.

According to the teachings of the Maggid of Mezeritch, the essence of any object is shaped by how one views it. Looking at something through a positive lens, that sees Divine vitality within, draws blessing upon it. Negative or dismissive gazes detach the object from its Divine source, causing spiritual harm- what our sages refer to as “ayin hara” (the evil eye).

Five senses (Photo: shutterstock)

The Existence of Creation Depends on Seeing the Good

Chassidic teachings explain that the very sustaining force of creation depends on a positive perspective. As the verse states, “And G-d saw everything that He had made, and behold- it was very good”. The Creator embedded within the world the power to see the truth, that everything is inherently good and created in a perfect, purposeful way.

Those who perceive Divine providence in the world participate in this Divine vision. As the Sfat Emet writes: “It is written: 'G-d saw… that it was good' regarding all of creation. This vision continues to exist eternally and gives life and sustenance to all of existence. It is bound to those who recognize that all vitality stems from His providence, as it says, 'The eyes of G-d are always upon it…’”

The moment we open our eyes in the morning is critical. It is a sacred opportunity to connect with the goodness of the world and to intentionally decide that our eyes were opened to see the Divine goodness embedded in creation.

The Power of the First Glance

The very first glance upon waking has a powerful influence on the entire day because it is the only moment when we open our eyes with awareness and intention. All subsequent moments are often automatic, but this first one can shape our consciousness.

It is therefore highly recommended to set our gaze immediately on something sacred, such as tzitzit (ritual fringes) or another object connected to Torah and mitzvot. According to Chassidic thought, any item used for a mitzvah, and especially one considered a “holy vessel” (like tefillin or tzitzit), carries spiritual energy that links us directly to the Divine light sustaining creation.

(Photo: shutterstock)

The First Sound We Hear

Likewise, the first words we hear each morning can impact us spiritually. Hearing words of holiness, such as the prayer “Modeh Ani”- “I thank You, living and eternal King, for You have returned my soul to me…”- can deeply affect the inner purpose of the sense of hearing- to attune our ears to goodness and cultivate gratitude for G-d’s endless kindness.

If we strive to train our ears to hear only goodness but not negativity, gossip, or slander (which is strictly forbidden and spiritually damaging), we fulfill the true purpose of hearing and safeguard both our emotional and physical well-being.

It’s of utmost importance to guard those precious minutes at the start of the day. If we hear complaints or negativity, we must not dwell on or internalize them. See them for what they are and don’t allow their foolishness to interfere with your connection to Divine goodness.

Reading or listening to the news first thing in the morning can corrupt the purity of the senses we experience upon waking. In contrast, hearing words of thanks or blessing from others should not be brushed aside. Don’t let them go “in one ear and out the other.” Internalize them. Reflect deeply on the kindness of G-d that fills the world- especially when we don’t block it with our complaints and demands.

The First Words We Speak

We must guard the first words we say each day, as speech is perhaps the most powerful of all senses and deeply shapes the soul. Unfortunately, many people start their day with complaints or bitterness, even directed toward G-d.

It’s important to understand that this type of ingratitude causes tremendous spiritual harm. As Malbim explains, a “complainer” is someone who constantly blames G-d, believing they were created to suffer or that the world is mostly evil. Their complaints are like wounds that don't come from outside but from deep within their imagination. They are stuck in a mindset of lack, comparing themselves to others and focusing on what they don’t have.

In contrast, if such a person were to say, “Thank You, G-d, for all the good You’ve given me,” then Heaven would respond: “You think that’s all I can give you? Let Me show you more.” When gratitude is expressed, more goodness is drawn down from above in an unending flow of Divine kindness.

(Photo: shutterstock)

The Complainer's Effect on Others

This quality of complaining also damages relationships. Rabbeinu Yonah explains that a complainer always assumes others mean harm. They twist others’ intentions, believe they’re being targeted, and never express appreciation.

Children with this trait often overwhelm their parents with complaints that are not even connected, and never say thank you. They are not only pessimistic but profoundly ungrateful, never able to acknowledge the constant gifts and love they receive. They fixate on what they don’t have.

This causes deep pain to those around them. As Rabbeinu Yonah writes: “The complainer wounds the soul. Even when others try their best to be good to him, he accuses and condemns them. Sometimes others act for his benefit, but he interprets it as an attack. He returns evil for good.”

This deeply negative trait rooted in twisted thinking, severs a person from the flow of Divine goodness. As the verse says: “A perverse person spreads conflict, and a complainer separates from the Divine Source (the 'Aluf')” (Proverbs 16:28).

By focusing only on what’s missing, the complainer drives away the sense of Divine presence, and Heaven forbid, is treated accordingly.