In the previous column we learned that we cannot reason with or redirect the amygdala – it’s hardwired to perceive only threats and hijack our worldview. However, we can retrain our response to fear through behavior, not logic. The only way to regulate the amygdala’s response is by taking action that runs counter to the fear, which gradually rewires the brain and weakens old fear-based circuits.
This neurological reality explains why our brains keep sounding the alarm even when we intellectually know the threat isn’t real – it’s like having a smoke detector that won’t stop beeping even after you’ve cleared the air. It takes time to recalibrate the nervous system. But neuroscience research is clear: when we consistently take action despite our fears, two important things happen.
First, it weakens the automatic link between fear and reaction, making us less jumpy over time. Second, it actually reshapes the brain’s structure – strengthening the prefrontal cortex (the part of our brain responsible for rational thinking) and producing lasting change. Think of it like building muscle through exercise – the more we practice acting courageously, the stronger our “courage muscle” becomes. Recent studies show that when we experience positive outcomes after taking scary actions, our brain literally rewires itself to make it more likely we’ll repeat those beneficial behaviors. In other words, success breeds success – not just psychologically, but neurologically.
Yet this process goes beyond physiology. Every time we take action – big or small – despite fear, we rise to a higher level of bitachon. The message we send ourselves is unmistakable and pivotal: I trust in Hashem.
The Critical Role of Joy in Overcoming Fear
However, when we choose to proceed, it’s crucial to recognize a fundamental principle: without positive emotion, we must continually rely on willpower alone, which inevitably depletes us. Think of willpower like a muscle that gets tired from overuse – you can force yourself to do the right thing for a while, but eventually you’ll burn out. Moving forward – taking on a task or fulfilling our obligations – without simcha (joy) drains our spiritual vitality. Chazal tell us in Shabbos (30b), “The Divine Presence comes to rest upon a person only through his rejoicing in a mitzvah.” The Zohar (II:184b) likewise explains this dynamic:
If the Lower World (our earthly realm) is in a positive and joyful state, it will draw positive and joyful energy or blessings from the Upper World (a higher spiritual realm). However, if it exists in a state of sadness or negativity, it attracts judgment instead of blessing.
In other words, our emotional state doesn’t just affect us – it influences what kind of spiritual energy we attract. To cultivate this joyful state practically, we must begin with physiology before psychology. When preparing to take action despite fear, we should first implement what might be called the “physiology-first protocol”: unclench the jaw, drop the shoulders, breathe deeply, and consciously smile – only then move forward with simcha. Because changing our physiology immediately reshapes our emotional state, this simple sequence transforms reluctant compliance into joyful engagement.
When we infuse our actions with joy, we deepen our love and connection to Hashem’s will. Conversely, actions performed half-heartedly or with reluctance are disadvantaged from the outset. The difference between “I get to do this” and “I’ve got to do this” isn’t just semantic – it’s neurological. Shifting to an “I get to do this” mindset breathes life into both soul and psyche, whereas an “I’ve got to do this” attitude burdens us with the weight of obligation. Research confirms that joy triggers the release of neurotransmitters that strengthen neural pathways, making it more likely that we will repeat the behavior and creating positive feedback loops that support sustained growth.
The Compound Effect of Small Actions
Understanding this neurological reality helps explain why Chazal emphasize the profound impact of seemingly minor choices. Every small decision we make is like a vote for the kind of person we want to become. The shape of our self-image is defined by every action we take. Chazal, therefore, teach in Avos (4:2), “Run to perform [even] a minor mitzvah and flee from sin, for one mitzvah leads to another mitzvah, and one sin leads to another sin.” This isn’t moral exhortation – it’s an accurate description of how neural pathways form and strengthen.
Repeated behaviors become ingrained, forming habits that ultimately shape our identity. Each small action either reinforces fear-based patterns or builds confidence-based ones, creating what psychologists call “behavioral momentum.” It’s like rolling a snowball down a hill – each action adds to the momentum, making the next action easier. Over time, these small, consistent actions elevate our madreigah, leading to a tipping point where our self-perception shifts, allowing us to recognize our true essence – a neshama. As perspective provides context, and context creates meaning, understanding that we are a neshama helps propel us through fear and anxiety, aligning our objectives with the larger context of who we are and why we exist.
This transformation becomes a powerful driver of responsible action, attuning us to the deeper pleasure of meaningful pursuits and heightening our sensitivity to the gravity of sin. The result is a fundamental shift in our relationship with challenge: instead of forcing ourselves to do what’s right despite our nature, we begin naturally gravitating toward what’s right because of our nature. As a result, we are naturally drawn to what is right and pursue it fearlessly – a pivotal concept we will explore further in the next column.
To be continued.
