Shalom rabbi, I read a book on bitachon. It said that if a man believes in own abilities then the divine Providence will be taken away from him. I have very low self esteem. I am reprogramming my subconscious mind with a book. If I reprogram my subconscious mind, immediately my reality will change. I have difficulty understanding the divine Providence. I also have other subconscious blocks. I should change myself with certain practices like visualization. If I visualize, I visualize in the present. Am I believing my own abilities and ignoring divine Providence if I follow visualization and changing self image? I have guilt everytime I follow visualization. Should I stop changing by subconscious mind and believe in Hashem and pray to him? Or should I practice reprogramming subconscious mind and believe in Hashem at the same time. The latter is causing guilt in me. Please help me

Shalom, Thank you for your question. Unfortunately I’m not familiar with the book on bitachon you quote, nor the ideas you write about “reprograming” the “subconscious mind” with a book. So I can’t help you there. In general, a person needs two things. Firstly, they need divine assistance. That is the understanding that we rely on the blessings of Hashem. For this a person needs to pray to Him, and to believe in His help. But, together with this, a person needs to build themselves into a strong and healthy character. The G-dly help we mentioned comes into the world through our souls and being. By working on strengthening oneself to be happy, healthy, upright, giving, full of courage and wisdom, etc, the Devine blessings flow through us, and we become partners with G-d in bringing Holiness into the world. I hope this is of some help – Blessings.