Peace to you!

Each week, the Monk Mindset newsletter comes with:

Monk Mindset for Living Well

Monk Mindset 6
Seek Nothing to Find Everything: Detachment

Reflection on the Monk Mindset and Quote

Have you ever had a window that you thought was clean but then one day the sunlight comes through it and all of a sudden you notice fingerprints, grime, or streaks? Then you’re like – whoa, that window is filthy! You’d never noticed the grime until the light was shining through and revealed it to you.  

Now imagine that same window perfectly clear—pure, unblemished, allowing the full brilliance of the sun to pour in. 

It’s the same for our souls. Often we have grime that prevents light from passing through us. However, we don’t even notice it's there. This grime can accumulate so much that eventually our interior windows become so darkened that hardly any light can pass through.

Fasting is one of the most powerful ways to clean the grime of our souls. Often, we think of fasting only in terms of food—giving up meals, sugar, or coffee, which is true. 

But fasting extends beyond just food and is really about detachment. It’s about liberating ourselves from things that have power over us and cloud our soul, whether that’s food, entertainment, comfort, or even the need for control.

Detachment is the essence of fasting: to seek nothing, so that we may be filled with everything. When we let go—of distractions, of self-indulgence, of our need for constant stimulation—we become more like that clear glass window. God’s light passes through us unhindered, illuminating not only our own souls but the world around us.

Put It Into Practice This Week

What’s one thing that you feel you need during the day or week but you know deep down it’s not necessary and it may even have some control over your heart and thoughts? 

Choose one day – maybe even today – to not have or do this thing. Give it up just once. 

Then, at the end of the day, take some quiet time to gaze interiorly. Do you see just a little more light shining through that window?

Wishing you abundant peace this week,

John