Brenner's take on some of Rabbi Miller's insights

This is just an example of some of the differences in my own beliefs and those of our Great Rabbi.  I will not disparage anyone from reading his work, but I do recommend you formulate your own ways based on his guidance.  Do not just be a robot who follows commands. .


In one of his tapes (#706), Rabbi Miller delineates ten steps to greatness that should be practiced every day.
1) Say at least once (in private), “I love you Hashem.”
I prefer to say Baruch Hashem at least more than a good number of times a day.  I think that saying "I love you" is obvious when you bless our G-d.  And I think that its wrong to actually use that wording as it does imply that Hashem is of our own faith in life and He is not.  He is our G-d.

Also, try saying the shema at least once before bedtime or when you lay down.

2) Spend thirty seconds thinking about Olam Habba.
Good idea.  Spend your day giving some thought to tomorrow.  And when you get to thinking of heaven, give it as much thought as you need. 

3) At least one time during the day, for example during meal times, acknowledge that your actions are L’Shem Shamayim.
Neat thought.  Good friend of Hashem to think this one.  I am very satisfied making a bracha for meals.  But its a good concept and thats the point. Not to change your whole routine.

4) When saying the beracha of “Malbish Arumim - He clothes the naked,” spend thirty seconds contemplating the great gift of garments, i.e., pockets, buttons, shoelaces, etc.
Thinking of anything is great when you think of how G-d clothes the naked.  But I am not sure that this is the exact science our G-d needs us to contemplate.  But give it a thought once or twice.
I guess for me, I would concentrate on the fact that you simply have clothing and always had clothing.  But that is true that the minutia and elements of our garb are of course a blessing too.
5) Spend one minute thinking over yesterday (cheshbon hanefesh).
Think of your past.  Let your G-d and the Angels help you wander in your thought processes where they may be required and do what comes to mind as your needs develop.
6) When reciting the words, “If I forget you, Yerushalayim…,” sit down on the floor in privacy, for one second to think about the loss of Yerushalayim.
I'll have to consider giving this a try maybe sometime.  I can not criticize what I have not experienced. 
(The following four relate specifically to bein adam le’chaveiro - interpersonal relations.)
7) Do one act of kindness a day that no one, other than Hashem, knows about.
Encourage somebody - thereby imitating Hashem, Who lifts up the humble.
Good thought.  Do your best everyday.  Secret mitzvahs come and go.  I do not think its something you need to plan or focus your future on doing, but make certain that if there is one, its your secret and Hashems, if that may be the future you are given.
9) Once a day, when looking at another person, think, “I’m seeing a tzellem Elokim.”
Fun suggestion.  Likely not my daily interest, but I will always be in my mind when I think of this able to envision at least one man who fits this description.
10) Just like Hashem’s image shines on us, SMILE!
Absolutely