Peace to you!

Each week, the Monk Mindset newsletter comes with:

Monk Mindset for Living Well

Monk Mindset 1
Show Up and Receive the Light: Meditation and Prayer

Reflection on the Monk Mindset and Quote

There’s a quiet power in realizing what you’re seeking might already be closer than you think. Brother Lawrence’s insight—that our spiritual growth comes through pausing, noticing, and remembering—invites us into the practice of recollection. But what does this actually mean in practice, and how can it change our life?

If I’m honest, it often feels to me like God is far away. I feel frustrated, emotionally down, or just empty. Yet, other times I feel Him very close.

By reminding myself that He is already dwelling within me, already present in the day to day, and actively inviting Him to reveal a deeper awareness of this Presence, I can increasingly experience God in day-to-day life. 

Conversely, when I don’t feel Him near, I can lean on faith that transcends feelings, to have a confidence that He is still close, regardless of what I feel in the moment. 

Recollection isn’t about dramatic gestures or long hours spent seeking extraordinary experiences. It’s the practice of bringing our attention—again and again—back to a simple, transformative fact: divine providence infuses every moment. Recognizing this can change our relationship not just with major life events but with each small detail of the day.

When we start treating the ordinary as sacred, we begin to see that our mental state, responses, and even our sense of meaning can shift. 

For instance, Brother Lawrence found that washing dishes or sweeping the kitchen was a means of encountering God, because whether one is fulfilling their duties or praying in a chapel, God is fully present and attentive and so can we.

Nothing is just “mundane.” Awareness of God’s closeness transforms how we work, relate, and rest.

Put It Into Practice This Week

Right now, think of some signal (brushing your teeth, getting in the car, sitting down to eat) and let it serve as your reminder to remember God’s presence in your daily activities.

As challenges arise, gently ask, “What might God be offering me right now? What virtue can I grow in?” Every situation has purpose.

Review your day for “little wins.” Where did recollection change your approach? Give thanks, and note the difference for tomorrow.

Wishing you abundant peace this week,

John

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