How to hijack feelings

ü     The Sefer HaChinuch talks about Lulav and Esrog and makes an important point; Naturally, human beings become happy at seeing the fresh, juicy lucious and green Four Species. We cannot help it; that’s just how we’re built. Once we already aroused a happy feeling, we then apply it to seving Hashem, and as a result become joyous about that. How’s that? Once we have aroused any given emotion, happy, sad, anxious or energetic, it’s easy as pie to awaken that same emotion towards another issue, because the dynamic is already there and moving forwards. So this is the principle behind taking the Lulav and Esrog. Since they awaken joy, we use them as a way of becoming joyful with Mitzvos. I think it’s also a tool for us to use everyday. When something sad occurs, think of the Churban. If we get exited, think of a current spiritual thing, say a learning seder. Put those energies to work for you!