"As One Is, So One Sees": Break the Algorithm

Written by Abbe Ciulla, Owner of Troy City Yoga, Wonderland Yoga Studio and the Solar Flow Yoga School

The other day, I was scrolling through social media while sharing coffee with a friend when we stumbled upon a polarizing video. You know the type- the ones designed to spark outrage, divide opinions, and keep us glued to our screens. We were curious about the reactions, so we both clicked on the comments section at the same time. That’s when something unsettling happened...

​My friend’s feed was filled with one set of incendiary comments, while mine showed a completely different set- comments that seemed carefully curated to provoke us in entirely different ways. It was as though we were each being fed our own custom-made version of outrage. The algorithm had not only divided the content we saw but had also fractured our perception of reality itself.

That moment hit me hard.

​It wasn’t just about algorithms on our devices; it was about the algorithms also shaping in our minds.

The Self-Perpetuating Algorithm of the Mind

The Buddhist teaching, “As one is, so one sees,” perfectly reflects this idea. It’s a reminder that our perception of the world isn’t an objective truth... it’s shaped by our internal conditioning, biases, and habitual thought patterns. Just as social media algorithms feed us content based on our past clicks and likes, our minds filter reality based on our past experiences, emotions, and beliefs. These inclinations and biases are know as "samskaras" in yoga philosophy.

When we operate on autopilot, whether through social media or in life, we’re susceptible to confirmation bias. We see only what aligns with our existing worldview, which reinforces our judgments, fears, and assumptions. This feedback loop not only divides us from others but also limits our capacity for growth, understanding, and compassion.

Break the Algorithm

Whether it’s the algorithm of a device or the mind, breaking the cycle starts with awareness.

1. Recognize the Illusion of Objectivity
The incident with my friend reminded me that even something as seemingly straightforward as a comment section can be manipulated. Our devices—and our minds—are constantly crafting narratives. When we begin to question the "truth" presented to us, we open the door to seeing things more clearly.

2. Cultivate Mindful Awareness
Just as we need to challenge our devices, we must also challenge the algorithms running in our minds. Mindfulness teaches us to observe our thoughts, emotions, and biases without immediately identifying with them. By pausing and reflecting, we can disrupt the mental patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of anger, fear, or judgment.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives
Algorithms feed us what’s familiar. To break free, we need to intentionally seek out diverse cultures, perspective and viewpoints, not to argue but to understand. In yoga and Buddhism, this is akin to cultivating right view—a broader, more compassionate perspective that honors interconnectedness.

4. Disconnect to Reconnect
Sometimes, the best way to break a digital algorithm is to step away entirely. Similarly, taking a break from reactive habits—whether through meditation, yoga, or simply sitting quietly—helps reset the mind and creates space for new insights.

A Call to Collective Awakening

The algorithms of division, whether technological or mental, thrive on isolation and reactivity. Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “The next Buddha may take the form of a community practicing understanding and loving-kindness.” If we’re to challenge the forces that divide us, we must do it together. Awakening is not a solitary journey—it’s a collective one, built on curiosity, connection, and compassion.

So next time you find yourself outraged by a comment thread or stuck in a cycle of judgment, pause. Remember that the lens through which you’re seeing might be skewed—whether by a tech company’s algorithm or your own mental conditioning. Ask yourself, “Am I seeing this clearly, or is this just a reflection of my past?” or more importantly "Is my reaction going to help or continue to divide?"



“As one is, so one sees.” It’s a profound truth that calls us to examine not just what we’re looking at but how we’re looking. By breaking the algorithms—both digital and mental—we create space to see the world, and each other, with greater clarity and compassion. And in that space, there’s the potential for real understanding, connection, and change.