Part 3/8:
Rabbi Jacobson emphasizes that restlessness is fundamentally healthy. The human heart, like the heart itself, is characterized by contraction and expansion—periods of effort followed by relief. He analogizes this to a heartbeat, which should resemble waves rather than a flatline; a flatline signifies death, while waves symbolize vitality.
A life devoid of restlessness can become stagnant—characterized by lethargy or complacency. Conversely, too much extreme agitation or anxiety can dominate one’s life, leading to stress or burnout. The goal is to find a balanced measure of restlessness—a gentle, motivating tension that propels us forward without overwhelming us.