From Rest to Renewal: The Spiritual Power of Waking Up

In a previous article, we discussed the initial stages of spiritual relaxation as a person lies in bed, including the recitation of Modeh Ani and the ritual of morning hand washing (Netilat Yadayim). In this article, we continue with the next steps in the waking process.

Waking up is a dramatic shift between two completely opposite states. At the end of the day, after exhausting their limited physical and mental strength, a person collapses into bed, drained. Sleep marks a state of total powerlessness. The mind disconnects from consciousness and enters the subconscious, where thoughts roam freely, beyond our control.

It is precisely in that state of complete surrender that we receive fresh, renewed energy. Upon awakening, we’re not only physically restored but mentally and emotionally refreshed as well.

This process highlights a profound spiritual truth: the more one recognizes their own limitations and helplessness, the more they open themselves to receive divine energy. As the verse says, “Those who hope in G-d shall renew their strength; they shall soar with wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31)

The human being is essentially a vessel for divine grace. The vessel is formed by acknowledging that we are not self-sufficient. The more someone believes they are in control of their life and power, the more they limit the flow of divine abundance. It’s like receiving a precious gift in a dirty or broken container. Conversely, the more deeply a person understands their own emptiness and dependence as a created being, the more clearly and abundantly divine kindness can enter and transform them.

This is also why G-d built into creation the need for all humans- even the most capable- to sleep. It instills in us, through our very biology, the unavoidable reality of human limitation. The wise person uses sleep as a spiritual reset and becomes a vessel ready to receive divine kindness.

Waking Up: A Declaration of Faith in Divine Kindness

Waking up is not just a return to activity, but a spiritual act that reflects trust in the kindness and support of the Creator.

Just like every awareness leads to conclusions, so too do the stages of waking (as mental, emotional, and physical systems restart) reflect a "conclusion" to the night. This process helps discharge negative energy born of ego and false pride and replaces it with positive energy- through recognizing that everything we have is a divine gift: our actions, talents, influence, and success.

Morning wakefulness symbolizes a deeper realization of an absolute trust in the kindness yet to come. Beyond the blessings we already received, we place our faith in the goodness that lies ahead.

A person who struggles to get out of bed often lacks the deep inner conviction that G-d loves them and is preparing all their needs. Their inner energy remains in a state of dormancy, keeping them physically and emotionally inert.

On the other hand, those who rise swiftly in the morning- energized by holiness- do so because they’ve deeply contemplated G-d’s love and the abundance awaiting them that day and throughout their life.

The Second Stage of Relaxation: Energizing the Soul

This contemplation on future divine kindness is the second stage of relaxation- a mental and spiritual renewal through connection to infinite divine abundance. As hinted in the verse: “Be still and know that I am G-d” (Psalms 46:11). The goal of relaxation (harpu) is to reach a state of knowing (d’u)- a profound awareness that “I am G-d,” the source of all strength.

In this moment, we are encouraged to vividly imagine the Creator watching over us with great mercy, bestowing kindness upon us at every instant. The Maggid of Mezeritch taught: “Sometimes a person lies in bed and appears to others to be asleep, but in truth, he is quietly communing with the Creator. It is a high spiritual level to always see the Creator with the eye of the mind, just as one sees a person in front of them. And to believe that the Creator is also looking back at them, just as a person would.”

When we can picture the Creator looking at us with the compassionate eyes of a loving father, and we hold that image- at least subconsciously- throughout the day, we remain in a spiritually uplifted state. This positivity fuels our energy to serve our Father in Heaven with love and joy.

For all articles on "Positive Relaxation" by Rabbi Yehuda Wingarten, click here.

Rabbi Yehuda Wingarten is the chairman of the Yisod Hachasidut Institute and the "Foundations of Education" organization. Y3268992@gmail.com