Peace to you!

After attending Oxford and Harvard and working in investment banking, I had a spiritual experience that led me to leave the path of success to live in monasteries for over 7 years.

Through this newsletter, I share practical wisdom from my experience in the monastery. I hope it’s fruitful for your journey!

Each week, the Monk Mindset newsletter comes with:

Monk Mindset for Living Well

Monk Mindset 2
Family and Community: Commit to Family Rituals

Reflection on the Monk Mindset and Quote

When I was in the monastery, we’d have 1.5 hours of meditation and prayer in the evening before dinner. Dinner was a sacred time of being with each other as a family. This time of prayer allowed space for the stress to burn off so we could show up well for others and be truly present. 

Most of us can’t meditate for 1.5 hours before dinner every night, but I bet you can take 2 minutes or 5 minutes. The timing of prayer or meditation really matters. When we pray or meditate before spending time with friends and loved ones, we are more ourselves, less prone to anger or frustration, and quicker to serve others in love. 

Simply taking a few minutes for quiet prayer or meditation after work or before spending time with others can be a game changer.  Many of us bring stress and heaviness home to our friends or families after a long day. Just as you’d wipe your muddy shoes on a mat before going inside, we have the opportunity to wipe the stress and anxieties of the day off, before being with friends or loved ones.

Put It Into Practice This Week

Before transitioning to being with your family or friends after work or at other key times, take just 1-2 minutes BEFORE you see them to be still, envision how you want to be present, and ask for the grace to be lovingly present.

Wishing you abundant peace this week,

John