Aug 6, 2024
Recently, I found myself pondering Apostle Paul’s words from Hebrews: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, … looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1).
What does the “cloud of witnesses” signify from a psychological standpoint?
This phrase can be viewed as representing the observer’s perspective, a powerful metaphor Paul repeatedly uses to fortify his companions and himself against feelings of isolation.
This notion posits that we are never truly alone; surrounded by a myriad of observers who are not mere passive onlookers but are emotionally invested and actively supportive, echoing encouragement.
In their view, we oscillate between competitors striving for victory (“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize”, 1 Corinthians 9:24) and dignified martyrs, suffering as though in a grand spectacle (“For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings”, 1 Corinthians 4:9).
From a psychological standpoint, the observer’s perspective represents not only “the other” but also our own selves, as if we sent this “other” to the heavens to store a secure backup—similar to how we back up documents and photos in cloud storage.
This practice, thousands of years old, allows us to view ourselves from an external perspective to better manage emotions, make sound decisions, and strengthen our resolve.
What form can this perspective take? It could be from a galactic distance, rendering all human concerns trivial.
For instance, if someone is undecided about divorce, viewing the situation from such a vast distance might strip away the immediate emotional weight, making the worries seem petty and inconsequential. This detachment from the minutiae of life can help in gaining clarity and perspective.
Another approach is to project oneself into the distant future through imagination and ponder a few reflective questions: What will the significance of this current problem and its solution look like after many years? What advice would my future self give me today?
Moreover, the observer’s perspective can be incredibly comforting during times of loneliness by bringing to mind those who have influenced our lives—parents, teachers, and other pivotal figures. These individuals form our “cloud of witnesses.”
We cherish their memories—recalling their faces, smiles, words, and actions. Our memory acts as an internal time machine, allowing us to revisit the joyous moments spent with these loved ones, bringing those precious times to the present.
This capability is a remarkable evolutionary gift, providing solace and strength during challenging periods.
Q Medical / D. Avtonomov, 2024©
