Issue 15: TEA From The Beginning: Thoughts - Emotions - Action

“And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” – Genesis 2:25

As we continue exploring emotions through Genesis, the next feeling we encounter is shame — or rather, the absence of it.

At the end of Genesis 2, Adam and Eve were naked and “not ashamed.” There was no embarrassment, no fear, no self-consciousness. Nakedness simply was. It was part of the “very good” creation.

But something changes just one chapter later.

After eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened. Suddenly they realized they were naked — and they covered themselves.

I wonder what “knowledge,” what thoughts or ideas showed up in their mind that led them to decide they needed to cover themselves. 

Then, when God asks Adam where he is, Adam replies:

“I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10)

Awareness of nakedness. Fear. Hiding.

What happened between Genesis 2 and Genesis 3?

From Innocence to Awareness

Before the fall, nakedness was neutral — maybe even good. But when Adam and Eve gained the “knowledge of good and evil,” their awareness changed.

It wasn’t their bodies that changed; it was their minds.

They became aware of this concept of nakedness, and this concept carried some kind of meaning — thoughts, ideas, associations that had never existed in their minds before. 

And in that moment, we see a simple but powerful pattern emerge — one that’s still true today:

Thoughts → Emotions → Actions

The Ancient Pattern in Modern Terms

Psychology recognizes this same relationship.

Two of the most widely used approaches to mental health — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — are both built around this relationship.

Our thoughts influence our emotions.
Our emotions drive our actions.
(And our actions have consequences, often reinforcing our thoughts and emotions.)

It’s a cycle — for better or for worse.

In Genesis 3, Adam’s thought (“I am naked”) triggered fear (emotion), which led to hiding (action).

Eve’s thought (“the fruit is desirable for gaining wisdom”) triggered desire (emotion), which led to eating (action).

In both cases, thoughts → emotions → actions.

Reflect and Apply

Take a moment this week to notice this ancient sequence in your own life:

1. Thoughts – What idea or belief just ran through your mind?
   

2. Emotions – What feeling followed or accompanied it?
   

3. Actions – How did you respond? What action did you take?

You might even jot it down once or twice a day. 

As you grow more aware of this pattern, you’ll begin to see the very process that started in Genesis still playing out in your own mind and heart.

Later, we will examine this a little bit more in terms of how sometimes this is helpful/good, and other times unhelpful/not good. 

But for now just notice this process playing out and see what you can learn from it. 

Blessings,

Dr. Matt
https://clearmindweekly.beehiiv.com/ 
www.drmattbridgman.com 

Ps: If you are interested, there is a really good book about ACT called The Happiness Trap. You can check it out HERE.  

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