At times a person can only serve HaShem in a diminished state.¹⁰¹-diminished intellect. See Chapters 34 & 35 of Shaar HaYichud by Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch translated as The Gate of Unity for lengthier explanations of Katnut-diminished intellect and Gadlut-expanded intellect. Also see Kuntres HaHitpaalut by the same author, translated as Divine Inspiration, for an expanded explanation of all levels of ascent of Divine Inspiration and Dveikut-adhesion. In other words, he does not ascend and enter the Upper Worlds at all. Rather, he simply contemplates the reality that, “The whole earth is filled with His Glory,”¹⁰² and that therefore HaShem is close to him. At such times he is like a child who does not have a big intellect, but only a small one. Nonetheless, even though he serves in this lesser state, he can serve with great adhesion to HaShem.

footnotes: ¹⁰¹ Katnut ¹⁰² Isaiah 6:3