Monk Mindset newsletter is 1 year old and it’s been a joy to watch it grow to help over 15,000 people!

Do you feel like you lack the harmony and order in your life and yearn to find it?

In honor of this 1 year mark, we’re launching the Monk Mindset full course!

This course organizes my 7 years in the monastery — and the entire monastic life — into 7 principles and 98 lessons so you can implement these practices into you day-to-day.

Great for building a plan for the New Year or a gift for the holidays!

Monk Mindset for Living Well

Monk Mindset 2
Commit to Family Rituals: Family and Community

Reflection on the Monk Mindset and Quote

After entering the monastery, I was surprised how much emphasis was placed on recreation with the other brothers- doing things like going for walks, throwing the frisbee, or, dare I say, playing the occasional game of charades (where I got to embarrass myself and showcase my overly competitive side). 

Recreation and having fun with your family and friends is a crucial part of being human. These times are often the most fun and memorable experiences of our lives and are crucial to living well. 

There’s a distinction between healthy and unhealthy recreation. Healthy recreation leaves us nourished, at peace and augments our relationship with ourselves, others, and God. While unhealthy recreation tends to disintegrate us - separating us from ourselves, others, and God. 

Ideally we experience healthy recreation with others at least a few times per week. Going for a walk or coffee with a friend, playing catch with a loved one, family board game night, and much more. 

It’s important to build these rituals and routines into our weekly plan to make sure we get the dose of joy and fun that brings us life and is so fitting to our dignity as human beings. 

Put It Into Practice This Week

What’s one recreation opportunity you’ve been wanting to do with others but haven’t gotten around to yet? 

Take a few moments right now, and reach out to one person you can do this with or make a note in your calendar!

Wishing you abundant peace this week,

John