When dealing with intrusive thoughts most will say “you are not your thoughts”. On one hand, when dealing with thoughts, you have Elkhart Tolle who recommends eastern buddhist style meditation and on the other is what I have learned so far delving into Orthodox Christianity. Now I’ve only read a few of Elkhart Tolle’s works and never faithfully practiced what he preached. I did attempt, but it was fruitless for me. It hasn’t even been a year since I’ve started attending an Orthodox Christian Church. Needless to say I’m ignorant and not speaking with any expertise whatsoever. In Orthodoxy the sentiment is the same “you are not your thoughts”, but the remedy is to bring it to Christ.
Regardless of where it is coming from, but hearing the words “you are not your thoughts” is a tremendous relief for someone constantly bombarded with all kinds of thoughts. I joke that in my head is a 5-ring circus going at all times.
There are all kinds of thoughts that can enter ones head, good thoughts, funny thoughts, anxious thoughts, disturbing thoughts, etc. From what I understand (which is not a lot), in Orthodoxy you are not culpable for thoughts that pop up in your head, only if you start to entertain or agonize over the thoughts it could be considered possibly sinful depending on the content. And of course if it brings you to sinful action then you would be responsible for it. If you are looking at the big picture or the forest so to speak, then this is acceptable or doable to me. However, I get stuck in the weeds and muddy creeks. Consider the gospel below as well, it states you have already committed adultery if you have lust in your heart, and you are in danger of judgement for becoming angry with your brother.
Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus says "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment'. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."
Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus says "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
It might be more discernible when your thoughts move to action, but it is not the case when thoughts move into ideas. Depending on the person and their constitution they will react differently to certain thoughts than another. Some might get angry thoughts, and enjoy imagining shoving an annoying person off a cliff. Others might get lustful thoughts and wonder what it would be like to kiss or touch another (that is not their spouse) they find attractive. Its easier to think about luxury goods, vacations, decadent foods and not gamble or steal, than to think of the above things and not to envy your friends that post their Hawaiian beach pictures on Facebook. Where is the line of when your thoughts move to ideas?
Basically, I’m lamenting that its hard for me not to entertain certain thoughts or even brood over the worst case scenario. For someone that imagines, fantasizes, worries, basically lives in their head, it is difficult to stop. Honestly, I don’t really know how to stop, and I feel powerless.
From I what get from Eckhart Tolle’s response to this problem, is to live in the present, and to transcend your ego. Observe your thoughts come and go and try not to delve into them. This is where meditation comes in and practicing silencing your mind. I came across a couple of interesting quotes from him “Give up defining yourself – to yourself or to others. You won’t die. You will come to life. And don’t be concerned with how others define you”. I think this is very similar to Christian thinking, but almost the opposite. In Christian thinking, you must die in order to live in Christ, whom is the source of life. Also, you must love others even when they hate you. Another quote from Eckhart Tolle is “Realize deeply that the present moment is all that you ever have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life”. I find it interesting because a lot of people follow his works, and they say you can follow him and still be Christian. However, his recommendation to intrusive thoughts would be to focus on the present moment in this world. As Christian we are preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ; we must be repentant and the “old man” in us must “die”.
We cannot save ourselves, we are completely powerless and must cling to Christ for salvation. Sounds so much easier than it actually is. I have to give up my wants, my desires, my worries, my plans, etc, etc. And frankly I am an addict to the dopamine hits of the physical world. Basically, I will struggle with my thoughts and ask for repentance for eternity.
I suppose this is where I bring it all to Christ and ask for guidance as I’m to weak. Lord have mercy.
Writings from behind the Pine Curtain 