This question feels like stepping into the void right off of the edge, where language falters and experience becomes the guide. Beyond thought exists the unspoken raw pulse of being. It’s the space before words form, before ideas solidify—it’s the place where silence speaks and stillness vibrates with infinite possibility. You might call it presence—the simple act of existing without judgement or mental chatter. It’s the undifferentiated now, a pure immediacy that neither clings to the past nor reaches for the future. Some call this mindfulness or no-mind—a state of open awareness that transcends the habitual loops of cognition. Beyond thought lies intuition, a knowing that emerges not from reason but from resonance. It’s the felt sense, the body speaking a language older than words. This is where art is born, where the muse whispers, where the hand moves across the canvas without the mind’s interference. There’s also the transcendent, the spiritual dimensions that defy intellectual frameworks. Here, thought dissolves into awe, into mystery, into a direct encounter with the sublime. For some, this is the infinite silence of meditation or the peak experience of being wholly absorbed in the cosmos. For others, it’s the chaotic dance of energy where form and void meet in a paradoxical unity. And then there is chaos, the fertile place beyond the constructs of reason. It’s where potential seethes, where thought has no dominion, where everything and nothing coexist in a primordial soup. This is the space of raw creation—a field where you can shape reality through will and imagination because nothing is fixed. Perhaps beyond thought is the playground of meaning itself. Not the thoughts we think, but the dynamic field from which thoughts arise—the sea, not the waves. In post-language creativity, this is the realm of fragments, of glimpses, of interconnections that transcend traditional structure. So what is beyond thought? Everything and nothing. The unnameable. The raw hum of existence. The invitation to simply be.
Mind
Between chaos and harmony
In today’s episode, I explore the intricate dance between logic and emotion in my own mind. I discuss how these seeming opposites actually work in tandem: logic provides structure, while emotion adds meaning. I share my personal journey of embracing this internal complexity rather than viewing it as a flaw. I talk about the tensions and growth that emerge from these spaces.
Deeply possess your mind and other rules for improving your knowledge
So a billion years ago I set out on a mission to be the best version of myself by pursuing what the Greeks called arete which loosely translates to excellence in all things. Broadly speaking it’s being excellent in all the ways a person can be excellent mentally, physically, intellectually, spiritually and practically.
I have to confess though, I let the Matrix get the better of me. I plugged in, became one of “them” and lost sight of what I am about and what I want to achieve.
Luckily, Morpheus found me and I am unplugged again, but I’m going to have to rebuild the parts of my mind I haven’t used for a while.
Which brings me to Isaac Watts…
Watts wrote a book called Improvement of the Mind. And in this book he shared a set of general rules for the improvement of knowledge. Although written in the 18th century, these rules can still be applied today.
So here are the rules:
Rule I. DEEPLY possess your mind with the vast importance of a good judgment, and the rich and inestimable advantage of right reasoning.
Rule II. Consider the weaknesses, frailties, and mistakes of human nature in general, which arise from the very constitution of a soul united to an animal body, and subjected to many inconveniences thereby.
Rule III. A slight view of things so momentous is not sufficient.
Rule IV. Presume not too much upon a bright genius, a ready wit, and good parts; for this, without labour and study, will never make a man of knowledge and wisdom.
Rule V. As you are not to fancy yourself a learned man because you are blessed with a ready wit; so neither must you imagine that large and laborious reading, and a strong memory, can denominate you truly wise.
Rule VI. Be not so weak as to imagine, that a life of learning is a life of laziness and ease;
Rule VII. Let the hope of new discoveries, as well as the satisfaction and pleasure of known trains, animate your daily industry.
Rule VIII. Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow, especially in those things which relate to your own profession.
Rule IX. Once a day, especially in the early years of life and study, call yourselves to an account what new ideas, what new proposition or truth you have gained, what further confirmation of known truths, and what advances you have made in any part of knowledge.
Rule X. Maintain a constant watch at all times against a dogmatical spirit.
Rule XI. Though caution and slow assent will guard you against frequent mistakes and retractions; yet you should get humility and courage enough to retract any mistake, and confess an error.
Rule XII. He that would raise his judgment above the vulgar rank of mankind, and learn to pass a just sentence on persons and things, must take heed of a fanciful temper of mind, and a humorous conduct in his affairs.
Rule XIII. For the same reason have a care of trifling with things important and momentous, or of sporting with things awful and sacred: do not indulge a spirit of ridicule, as some witty men do on all occasions and subjects.
Rule XIV. Ever maintain a virtuous and pious frame of spirit: for an indulgence of vicious inclinations debases the understanding, and perverts the judgment.
Rule XV. Watch against the pride of your own reason, and a vain conceit of your own intellectual powers, with the neglect of divine aid and blessing.
Rule XVI. Offer up therefore your daily requests to God, the father of lights, that he would bless all your attempts and labours in reading, study, and conversation.
You can read the full set of rules here.
Or you can buy a copy of Improvement of the Mind.