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Monastic Technique for Making Big Decisions

After six years in the monastery and after the passing of my father, I suddenly and strongly felt called to be...

October 14, 2024

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 7
Discerning Decisions: Discern Carefully, Commit Confidently

Reflection on the Monk Mindset and Quote

After six years in the monastery and after the passing of my father, I suddenly and strongly felt called to be more active in how I was serving God and living my life. It was jarring, and I remember literally feeling like I was being ripped apart internally. I loved being in the monastery - the routine of life, all the time for prayer, being with the brothers. But I was feeling called into something different. 

In order to properly discern this major decision of not continuing in the monastery I needed space to reflect, pray, and listen. I took a 30-day retreat in a hermitage in the Colorado mountains. I listened for internal movements of peace and consolation in this hard decision.

This meditation from St. Ignatius was extremely powerful for me during that time. I tried to listen for which decision felt like water dripping on a soft sponge. It helped me confirm the decision to not continue in the monastery — even though it was hard, it felt like where I was being led. 

Put It Into Practice This Week

Next time you have a big decision to make (and maybe that time is now), find a quiet place, try to get very still and spend at least 30 minutes (and as much as 30 days :) ) and put on each decision you have to make and listen for how you feel internally.

Does it feel like water dropping on a sponge or sand? Soft, smooth and supple. Or, instead, does it feel like a drop on granite? Hard, abrasive. 

The decision in harmony with your call and purpose is often smooth and clean.

Wishing you abundant peace this week,

John

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