What's really going on?

Thoughts reveal my nature. Well not really. They reveal my current nature.

There are noble thoughts that are generated by the intellect that has absorbed knowledge...they may even occur spontaneously based on prior repeated action. These seem 'artificial and contrived' at first glance.

Then there are thoughts that arise in full flow of their accord. These are driven by past experience, by choices based on what was considered useful or interesting in the short term but not necessarily beneficial in the long term. These seem natural as they are spontaneous.

When the 'awakened' intellect is fully alert, it amplifies, redirects or stops the spontaneous thoughts. When the intellect is 'tired', actions may take place before the intellect can register and assess the nature of thoughts and take appropriate and effective action.

Intellect driven change is time consuming and lots of hard work. Hard work at educating the intellect to be effective is necessary... but not sufficient to make changes at an emotional level so that it becomes sustainable (and 'natural').

There is a different approach that focuses just on emotional impact. Decide on any 'appropriate' course of action [alter existing habit or inculcate a new one]...and rely on various techniques that condition the neural network of the brain to respond in that way. This approach is based on research on how the brain works and how any behaviour can be altered quickly.

The challenge is that the second approach seldom has the wisdom to transcend mundane human wants. 

In an enlightened life, the intellect has faith based on knowledge and yoga based on love.  How does this come about?

When one really surrenders.This comes only with realization.

How to realize deeply enough to really surrender? Certainly not with intellectual and academic questioning. It needs subtlety. Otherwise the surrender is also theoretical... and is withdrawn pretty quick.

Hmm...