A Fabulous Friday Night Spotlight on Emotional Wellness
In today’s digital age, parents are confronted with emotional wellness challenges that arise with increased technology use. Friendship Circle is addressing these issues through a variety of UMatter programs.
On September 20, the Fabulous Friday Night event gave guests an opportunity to put away their phones, reset, and reconnect with loved ones. Rabbi Levi Shmotkin shared a message on mindfulness and emotional wellness. Rabbi Shmotkin is the author of a new book, Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
“I was searching for insight for myself,” said Rabbi Shmotkin. “I discovered special, powerful, and transformative tools in the Rebbe’s letters and counseling. When I saw what it did for me, I wanted to share it with other people who could benefit from it as well.”
Shabbat candles were lit, and guests mingled while dining on a delicious meal. Rabbi Shmotkin’s talk was the perfect springboard for an open discussion about emotional wellness. Letters for Life highlights lessons learned through the Rebbe’s private correspondence with individuals experiencing emotional setbacks and trauma. Rabbi Shmotkin spent five years writing and revising the book, including research based on over 10,000 letters and 2,000 interviews.
“Everyone will resonate with different ideas,” said Rabbi Shmotkin. “The challenge was selecting the letters that speak to the widest audience. Every person will come away with their own valuable lesson.”
One of the key themes in Letters for Life is the profound impact of preventative medicine. The book’s first section, titled Essentials for a Healthy Life, explores the pillars for building a strong psyche. The Rebbe counseled that each person has a unique mission on earth and highlighted the importance of building up one’s self esteem before the challenges of life arise.
“The Rebbe placed a strong emphasis on preventative medicine,” said Rabbi Shmotkin. “Healing and health begin when life is going well – we need to put in the work to stay strong.”
Friendship Circle recognizes the importance of building a strong sense of self beginning at a young age. UMatter programs spread unconditional acceptance of individuals facing emotional challenges. UMatter hosts monthly TeenTalk meetings – a consistent safe space for high school students to discuss meaningful topics. Additionally, SafeTalk trainings help teens and adults acquire the tools to identify and support individuals with mental health struggles. UMatter is generously sponsored by the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey.
To purchase Letters for Life, visit https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Life-Guidance-Emotional-Lubavitcher/dp/0826690149
