The path of sobriety and digital asceticismtranslated

The Holy Fathers described in detail how passions arise. St. Maximus the Confessor explains it this way: first a thought appears (preposition), then it intensifies (combination), a person agrees with it (addition), and ultimately becomes its captive (captivity), which is passion itself. The Holy Fathers also described the way to combat thoughts and passions. The Monk John Climacus taught: “The best and most trustworthy warfare can be when the thought—the excuse—is cut off at the very beginning.” If we cannot completely avoid adjectives in the modern world, our task is to prevent them from developing into combination and addition. Saint Theophan the Recluse called this state sobriety - “attention acquired through labor and experience to what is happening inside, and to how things flow outside, both before the Face of God.” Here are some practical steps suggested by priests and digital hygienists: The “First Hour to God” Rule. No social networks, news or instant messengers immediately after waking up. The morning begins with prayer, not with the phone.

Digital Post. Set aside one day a week (or a few hours) when you completely disconnect from social media and the Internet.…