Monastic Key to Fight Loneliness

Monk Mindset for Living Well

Monk Mindset 2

Live in Community: Community and Family

Reflection on the Monk Mindset & Quote

Once when I was in the monastery, I remember my cousin came to visit. As she was leaving, she asked me with a bit of sorrow in her tone,

"Don't you get lonely here?” 

The question surprised me a bit. Sure, loneliness happens to all of us from time to time. But, I didn’t consistently feel lonely. Most of all, because I was blessed to experience a closeness to God that was deeply nourishing and lifegiving. But secondly, because I was with a caring community day in and day out.

By contrast, the fastest growing epidemic in the West is not what you think. It’s the insidious disease of loneliness. In fact, a 2024 Gallup poll found that a shocking 1 out of 4 Americans feel lonely often or always. 

Many of us no longer live in grounded communities, families (or monasteries) and technological addiction can crowd out real relationships. If this is your world, how do you build friendships and relationships? If you have some close relationships but yearn for more, what are the next steps?

The first step is simpler than you think:

If you want to have good relationships, just start loving people and showing kindness. And good friends will come to you.

Put It Into Practice This Week

Imagine later today or tomorrow. Envision yourself radiating kindness. Let it be seen in your face and body language. Forget your self image or whatever keeps you from bottling it up. Just let it flow out of you. 

Now try to live out that image of yourself. 

Pro tip: Beforehand, take a deep breath and invite God to show Himself through you.  

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