Beyond Thought: Rediscovering our Incomprehensible Nature

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But since the nature of our intellect, which is in accordance with the image of the Creator, evades knowledge, it has an accurate likeness to the transcendent one, figuring by its own unknowability the incomprehensible nature – Gregory of Nyssa 

René Descartes’ principle, “Cogito ergo sum” or “I think, therefore I am,” has been the cornerstone of modern Western philosophy by linking existence to the process of thinking. This concept proposes that the act of thinking not only confirms our existence but suggests that our thoughts define our very being. However, this conflation of our identity with our thoughts oversimplifies the intricate nature of human consciousness and can lead to misconceptions about our true selves. In this blog, we will explore an ancient spiritual exercise in Eastern Orthodox spirituality that offers a profound framework for understanding our identity as transcending mere thought.  

The Problem of Identifying with Our Thoughts 

Following Descartes’ philosophy, our modern concept of the mind fundamentally encourages us to identify with our thoughts, leading naturally to the assumption that these thoughts mirror the core of our identity.  But this perspective fails to consider the involuntary and often uncontrollable nature of the thoughts that populate our mental landscape, shaped by external influences like media, societal ideals, and advertisements. This external bombardment can push us to adopt identities shaped more by external narratives than by our intrinsic nature, distorting our self-perception and increasing our susceptibility to manipulation.

The Television Screen Metaphor 

To better conceptualize our relationship with our thoughts, consider the metaphor of a television screen. Just as a TV displays a continuous stream of channels, each broadcasting different content, our minds present a continuous stream of thoughts, images, and impulses. Importantly, while we have control over which television channel to watch, we do not control which channels are available or what broadcasts might appear unexpectedly. Similarly, thoughts and images pop into our minds, often unbidden and sometimes unwelcome, influenced by a myriad of external and internal factors. 

Engagement and Disengagement 

The crux of this metaphor lies in our engagement with these mental “programs.” Much like becoming absorbed in a television show, we can become engrossed by our thoughts. Engaging with a thought—allowing it to play out on the screen of our mind—is akin to the “suspension of disbelief” in watching cinema, where we momentarily accept the reality of what is on screen. However, this engagement can lead us to become captive to the desires, anxieties, or frustrations depicted in our mental “programs.” 

This is why disengaging from one’s thoughts—understanding that they are not the totality of ourselves nor do they need to determine our desires, mood, or attitude toward others has been seen as an essential spiritual exercise in a number of spiritual traditions.  In Eastern Christianity this spiritual exercise is called Watchfulness (nepsis).  

Case Study: A Dream Encounter with St. Silouan the Athonite 

A personal experience profoundly highlighted the importance and power of the practice of watchfulness in Eastern Orthodox spirituality for me. In a dream, I encountered St. Silouan the Athonite, who demonstrated the essence of true watchfulness to me.  I was troubled by a flurry of rapid thoughts and St. Silouan came near and placed his hand on my head. Suddenly, I could let these thoughts that had been overwhelming me, pass effortlessly, each appearing as mere information or images on the TV screen of my mind, detached from my essence. St. Silouan’s guidance was simple yet profound: “Now, here’s a thought, let it pass. Now here’s another thought, let it pass.” This encounter deeply impacted my understanding of thoughts—they are not myself—and with God’s aid, they do not need to determine my life. I came to understand that our lives as human beings are determined at a basic level by how we deal with our thoughts and the emotions or impulses attached to them. 

Practical Application 

To practically apply the principles of watchfulness and mental disengagement, you can start with these simple exercises: 

Mindful Observation: Several times a day, pause for a moment to observe your current thoughts as if they were programs on a TV. Note their content without engaging or judging them, simply letting them pass.  

Breathing: Whenever you find yourself becoming too absorbed in your thoughts, take a deep breath and focus solely on the sensation of breathing. This helps detach from mental noise and center your mind. 

Prayer:  Make a habit of calling on the Name of God.  While inhaling silently utter, “Lord,” or “Lord, Jesus Christ” and upon exhaling say, “Have mercy.”  By repetitively coupling prayer with one’s breathing one practices the presence of God and it is ultimately the presence of God which silences thought and all comprehensible images and allows one to enter into the brilliant and tranquil Ocean of God within all of us.  This may be hard for some to comprehend but as St. Hesychios the Priest says, “If we have not attained prayer that is free from thoughts, we have no weapon to fight with.”

Daily Reflection: At the end of the day, spend a few minutes reflecting on the thoughts that dominated your mind. Recognize patterns and triggers and consider how these thoughts may not necessarily define or reflect your true self. 

Conclusion 

Eastern Orthodox spirituality offers a robust alternative to the Cartesian model of self so prominent today, teaching us that we are more than our thoughts and that our true essence lies beyond the mental constructs we often accept as reality. By adopting the metaphor of the television screen to understand our thought processes, combined with the ancient practice of watchfulness, we can achieve a deeper, more authentic understanding of our identities. This approach not only enriches our spiritual lives but also enhances our mental health, allowing us to live more fully in the truth of our existence—to be discerning viewers and choosers of our thoughts.  In this journey, we move beyond ‘I think, therefore I am’ to embrace a more holistic view of ‘I am, therefore I think,’ guided by the timeless wisdom of Eastern Orthodox spirituality.

Some Quotes to Meditate on from St. Hesychios the Priest

“One type of watchfulness consists in closely scrutinizing every mental image or provocation; for only by means of a mental image can Satan fabricate an evil thought and insinuate this into the intellect in order to lead it astray.

A second type of watchfulness consists in freeing the heart from all thoughts, keeping it profoundly silent and still, and in praying.

A third type consists in continually and humbly calling upon the Lord Jesus Christ for help.

A fourth type is always to have the thought of death in one’s mind.”

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