A person generally determines what is a necessity and what is excess for himself. It is between these two discernments (Avchanot) that we live our lives. The problem is that the conditions given to us are perceived either as a necessity or as an excess, and accordingly we carry out our subsequent actions.

Suppose that I feel fine right now, nothing is pressuring me, and I continue existing this way since I am satisfied with the current state of affairs. But if I  now hear that this is a bad state that brings me harm, that I am in danger, about to lose my soul, and to lose the meaning of life, then I will begin to relate to this calm state as a call to action.

That is, I change the definition of my attitude toward the given situation from “excess” to “necessity,” and act accordingly.

Thus, a person’s free choice always stands before the dilemma of how to perceive the present state. One may leave everything as it is, run away, or close one’s eyes, and for this same purpose the Klipot (impure forces), our body, external conditions, and an improper environment act as well, confuse me, and produce a feeling of weariness. All of this is depicted to me as conditions sent from above, and I may relate to them as excess, meaning as a state that satisfies my desire.

Therefore, here I must exert effort, and explain to myself that this is a special state: I am in danger. Then I will begin to perceive my life in such a way that it obligates me toward necessary actions. All of this undoubtedly depends on the books, their authors, and the group, and to what extent my friends burn with the desire for spirituality, and to what extent I am capable of absorbing their aspiration toward the Creator, and am capable of receiving an impression from them. This will compel me to change my inner sensation.
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From the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 5/20/26, Rabash, “The Difference between Charity and Gift”

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