The effect of observing the commandments is to free from passion our conceptual images of things. The effect of spiritual reading and contemplation is to detach the intellect from form and matter. It is this which gives rise to undistracted prayer. (Maximos the Confessor)

I will certainly grant that our conceptual images of things are a problem.

There is a need to loosen our intellect's tendency to see what it expects to see.

Spiritual reading and contemplation will contribute to this loosening.

I am less certain about being detached from form and matter.

The greatest commandment is to love God and neighbor. My neighbors have a form and matter from which I ought not be detached.