Transience of Thought, Essence of 'Dhi' & Mindfulness
The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts - Marcus Aurelius
Disclaimer: The information contained in this week newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified mental health professional with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
Imagine yourself sitting beside a calm river, watching its gentle current flow by. Each ripple in the water reflects a thought in your mind. Psychologist William James once said, “The stream of thought flows on; but most of its segments fall into the bottomless abyss of oblivion. Of some, no memory survives the instant of their passage. Of others, it is confined to a few moments, hours, or days..“ Similarly, in Buddhism, they study how thoughts come and go in the mind, like waves rising and falling in the ocean. Understanding this transient nature of thought makes life super simple.
I've struggled with anxiety and OCD in the past. While there's a common misconception that OCD solely revolves around contamination and cleanliness, it encompasses far more, including obsessive thoughts and corresponding compulsions. This complexity renders it one of the most debilitating conditions. One pivotal aspect of overcoming anxiety and OCD for me has been delving into mindfulness and comprehending the ephemeral essence of thoughts and understanding that these thoughts doesn’t define you.
However, mindfulness is just one piece of the puzzle. Therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), has been established as a highly effective treatment for OCD. ERP helps you gradually confront your triggers and resist compulsions, ultimately reducing their power over you.
If you're struggling with OCD, know that you're not alone and there is help available. Here are some resources to get you started: International OCD Foundation: https://iocdf.org
"Dhi," a Sanskrit term, carries multifaceted meanings all intertwined with the workings of the mind. It embodies "intellect," "understanding," "imagination," "opinion," "notion," "true knowingness," and even "mind" itself. As a verb, it signifies "to place" or "to hold," portraying the mind as a vessel or receptacle for thoughts.
In Hindu philosophy, none of these translations encapsulates the essence of "dhi" entirely. It transcends mere intellect, representing the mind's nuanced processing of a specific thought, akin to a gut feeling or intuition. Convincing the "dhi" is paramount for a thought to be embraced and integrated.
By practicing mindfulness, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of your thoughts – their impermanence and how they influence your dhi. This awareness can empower you to choose how you react to your thoughts.