T189 PNC - Beware of Sadness and Laziness — the Serpent's Bite

Beginner: The primary weapon the evil serpent uses against us is sadness and laziness. These two traits are the spiritual "bite" that paralyzes us and keeps us from serving Hashem. "Dust shall be the serpent's food" — the serpent feeds on the dusty, sunken energy of those who are sad and lazy. The antidote is to push past these states relentlessly — with joy, with movement, with action. Sadness makes holiness impossible; laziness makes avodah impossible. Guard against both as you would guard against a venomous snake. Intermediate: T189: The serpent's primary bite (nekivat hanachash) is sadness (atzvut) and laziness (atzlut). "Dust shall be the serpent's food" (Isaiah 65:25) — it feeds on the dulled, sunken spirit. Vigilance (hishtamrut) against these states is a prerequisite for any avodah. LM 189.