Understanding Thought
In the Mind Dojo, we explore the nature of thought itself, beyond what we can do with thought. While we are adept at using thought to build knowledge, we often overlook understanding the nature of thought itself.
What is the nature of thought beyond what I think about it?
Knowledge Building vs. Insight
There are two distinct ways we engage with thought and understanding:
1. Knowledge Building
The process of accumulating information, reasoning, and creating a body of knowledge. This is what we typically do when we study, learn, and analyze.
2. Insight
The spontaneous movement of energy that brings brand new understanding. It's a shift that occurs within us, impacting us deeply and reorganizing our perspective.
The Confounding Experience
Often, we confuse the pursuit of knowledge-building thought with the experience of insight. This confusion can lead to:
- Mistaking incremental changes for profound leaps in understanding
- Becoming attached to our existing body of knowledge
- Resistance to ideas that challenge our established ways of thinking
The Crisis of Thought
Eventually, we may reach a point where we recognize the limitations of managing thought through our accumulated knowledge. This crisis can open us to exploring the nature of thought as it truly is.
What happens when we cross the line from trying to conquer thought to recognizing that we cannot manage or conquer thought?
Embracing Insight
For those open to exploring the nature of thought beyond their existing knowledge:
- Every conversation becomes an opportunity for fresh understanding
- There's no resistance to being with their current state of understanding
- Insights emerge as deep KNOWING, shifting their experience of life
Reflection
How might our experience change if we approached life with a beginner's mind? How do you tell the difference between insight and your thinking?