As a bochur, Reb Shlomo Zarchi asked the Rebbe for guidance in cheshbon hanefesh. The Rebbe drew a distinction between avoda at Krias Shema She’al Hamita, which is done at specific times, and a basic calculation at the end of a day.
Reb Shlomo Zarchi relates:
As a bochur, I asked the Rebbe for direction in the avoda of Krias Shema She’al Hamita. The Rebbe told me to think Chassidus before I begin Krias Shema She’al Hamita.
At another yechidus, in response to my question as to how often I should perform this avoda, the Rebbe clarified that there are levels in making a cheshbon nefesh:
“The avoda of Krias Shema She’al Hamita is fitting for specific times, such as Leil Shishi (Thursday night), erev Rosh Chodesh and Chodesh Elul.
“However,” the Rebbe said, “a normal person, when he finishes his day, makes a calculation what he has accomplished that day…”
(As heard from Reb Shlomo Zarchi)
From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash
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