Two Aspects of Man

Each person has a dual existence: internal and external. The external is his life as a human being. It is an expression of how he has viewed himself since birth, that he is a complete and self-standing existence who is involved in serving Hashem as a means of perfecting himself.
His inner self is that part which connects to the Shechina, the soul of the Jewish Nation. We are like one body with each person serving as a part of the body, a spark of a great torch, a drop in the huge sea. In this respect the person does not have his own identity, he is but a part of a greater whole. He does not function for himself but for the greater good.
In a perfect world the external life would be a reflection of the internal. Each person's life would be a revelation of the light of the entire people - the light of the Schechina, the soul of the Jewish people.
Even though the external is initially more apparent, the internal is the essence of the person despite its being hidden within. In fact, that which is hidden is always what is most important. After all, Hashem is hidden behind many layers, invisible to all living beings, yet He is the root of all existence.
The challenge of life is to fight the illusion of all the noise and sight pollution that indicate that that which is visible is the true existence. A person needs to be strong to tie himself to the inner that is hidden and to make that the primary focus of his life.

Introduction: 3

The continued slumber weakens people's involvement in the pursuit of holiness, it prevents the Lights from being revealed externally, it causes great pains that are intended to push us to stir and awaken.
The secrets of the Torah are what open the eyes to exit the constricted worldview, the מוחין דקטנות (small-mindedness) that leaves us dreaming, and to look clearly with a penetrating view of the current generation and current events. It pours light on what has occurred in recent generations; the successes and the failures; the great souls and their utter confusion. It offers great clarity how all of current events - small things as well as major events - are all pointing in the same direction. They are all an awakening of the גאולה (redemption), to awaken from the slumber of exile to the light of the Schechina, to the outpouring of holiness which is awaiting us from Heaven, from our Father, our Shepherd, to save His nation and to bless His lot.

Introduction: 2

Dovid HaMelech, the soul of the Jewish Nation, characterized our era as בשוב ה' את שיבת ציון היינו כחולמים, that as Hashem returns the captives of Zion we are like dreamers. This is not just a dream of Exile - the two millennial dream of returning to the Holy Land and rebuild the Holy Temple. Even in the time of Redemption, as Hashem is returning the captives, we are in a dream-like state. We continue to face the amazing future only as if in a dream even though it is already actually coming.
"We were like dreamers." At times we are witness to events that are so awesome, so incomprehensible, that they confuse the mind that refuses to believe and thinks that it is dreaming. They are not experiencing reality. The prophet stands and shouts, "Awake and sing, you who dwell in the earth!" Get up and welcome the Light. Heighten your consciousnesses. Fill yourselves with strength and skill. You need to fully participate in these events. You need to awaken below and enhance your ability to grasp events, so that you can actualize then great Light that is being sown in these times.

Introduction: 1

קומי אורי כי בא אורך ובכוד ה' עליך זרח
Rise and shine for your light has arrived and the glory of God has shone upon you!
This amazing prophecy about the End of Days teaches us that even when the Light of Redemption arrives, and the Gates of Heaven have opened, the Jewish Nation will still require encouragement. They need to be called with the good news, "Rise and Shine!" Get up! Your light has arrived! Many prophecies are focused on awakening Israel to the light which shines upon us.
Exile for Israel is like death. It is such a deep sleep that even when the time is up and lofty lights shine upon us, we will still need encouragement. "Awaken! Awaken! Put on your strength, Zion. Put on your beautiful clothing, Jerusalem, Holy City. Shake off the dust. Arise captives of Jerusalem. Open the yokes upon your necks, captive of Zion."