https://darchenoam.org/rabbi-karlinskys-article-can-chumros-be-bad-for-your-neshamah/
Rav Wolbe continues: Proper service of G-d has to be built on “da’at”
– an accurate, deep intelligent understanding of what G-d wants from
us, acquired through clear thinking and a deep analysis of Torah. The
Talmud (T.B. Sotah 21b; Talmud Yerushalmi Sotah 3:4) illustrates the
concept of “chasid shoteh” (a pious fool) with two examples.
(It is truly ironic that one of them is an extreme example of what seems
to be taking place in front of our eyes, no pun intended.) A woman is
drowning, and a man with the ability to save her says to himself that it
is not proper to look at women, and does not save her. A child is
drowning and a person delays saving him until he removes his tefillin (since jumping into the water while wearing tefillin is disrespectful for them). By the time he has removed the tefillin,
the baby has drowned. The common denominator of these examples,
explains Rav Wolbe, is following a spiritual instinct without da’at,
that clear and intelligent analysis and understanding of what is
required of a person in every specific situation. The result of actions
rooted in instinct rather than da’at can be the source of
distancing one from G-d, rather than bringing one closer to Him.
Becoming closer to G-d must be based on a deep understanding of the
process of connection to Him, rather than imaginary notions of spiritual
accomplishments. This requires clarity about what G-d demands of a
person in every situation, having our feet planted firmly on the ground,
operating in reality rather than in some self-generated fantasy world. A
true relationship with G-d is rooted in proper actions in the
real, physical world. The drive and excessive focus on “getting closer
to G-d” (especially in our quick-fix, microwave society) emanates from “frumkeit,” that instinctual desire to reach spiritual heights, with the yetzer hara seducing us to find ways to get there without the requisite time and effort necessary.
