Take Time, Be Exact, Unclutter the Mind

Rav Simcha Zissel's advice to his talmidim was, "Take time. Be exact. Unclutter the mind." He taught that a person can progress in life and perceive Hashem only by clearing his mind of confusion and haphazard thinking. Then he can reach a calm and clarity of mind that lets him plan his path through life, free of the false ideas that come from his own weakness and temptations, and he can recognize the subtle ways in which Hashem is revealed in the world. The Talmud Torah in Grobin was a model of this approach. The students carried themselves with calm and order, and were still motivated and enthusiastic. He encouraged practices of visualization and introspection toward the same end.