How Monks Banish Sorrow

Monk Mindset for Living Well

Monk Mindset 4

Refresh Without Indulging: Personal Wellness

Reflection on the Monk Mindset & Quote

Most of the brothers I lived with in the monastery took naps regularly. Yes, you read that right. They napped. 

I’m not saying everyone can or should nap. Frankly, I struggled to nap myself - but I did try. 

These brothers also usually slept 7 or more hours per night on average. 

Why such dedicated sleeping habits? 

They understood that real rest helps them to be refreshed to live better and show up better for others. So they are disciplined about getting to bed early enough to rise for the 6am prayer and, when possible, to carve out some rest time in the early afternoon.   

In this quote, St. Thomas Aquinas waxes wisdom in recognizing that even our deepest sorrows can be at least partially healed by the simplest comforts. One of history's most disciplined minds, Aquinas, became one of the greatest philosophers and theologians in history by the time he was middle-aged. No doubt he spent his days in rigorous study, thinking, and writing, yet he also understood that he needed to recharge in order to pour himself out in his work.

Human beings require nourishment that goes beyond mere idleness. While we accept that our bodies need food and rest, we resist the idea that our souls need genuine leisure. Not the frantic scrolling that masquerades as rest, but true refreshment that restores rather than depletes.

Even the most devoted monks understood that a sustainable spiritual life requires rhythms of engagement and renewal. Medieval monasteries built their entire structure around this: hours of prayer balanced with periods of rest, work alternating with recreation, fasting punctuated by feast days.

What makes this different from our culture's "self-care" is intentionality. The monk doesn't collapse into mindless distraction when exhausted; he chooses specific, nourishing activities that genuinely restore his capacity to serve and love. There's a qualitative difference between refreshment and indulgence—one replenishes the soul for greater service, while the other depletes it further.

The genius lies in understanding that caring for ourselves isn't selfish—it's stewardship. When we're running on empty, our capacity to be present to others diminishes. But when we refresh ourselves wisely, we become more available, more patient, more generous. The well-rested soul has more to give.

Put It Into Practice This Week

Right now, write down 3 activities that genuinely restore your energy rather than drains it. Not what you think should refresh you, but what actually does. This might be a hot bath, a walk without your phone, or taking a nap.

Before reaching for your usual stress-relief habits this week, pause and ask: "Will this restore me or deplete me further?" Then choose accordingly. This single question will rewire your relationship with rest.

Pick one day this week to practice intentional refreshment. Set aside 20 minutes for an activity that truly restores you—not as reward for productivity, but as necessary nourishment for your soul.

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