THE WANDERING MIND

How medieval monks faced distraction.

Tackling the timeless theme of distraction, Kreiner, a professor of history at the University of Georgia, explores what the behavioral habits of medieval Christian monks can teach the modern world. Noting that the distractions we face today—whether it’s technology, work, or some other factor—may be greater than in the past, the author points out that to early monastics (male and female alike), distraction was seen as a constant spiritual challenge. From the British Isles to Persia, monks waged a daily war against those things which might distract them from their relationship with God. “Christian monks saw distraction as part of a cosmic drama, whose hum was especially audible in the quiet of their cells,” writes Kreiner. Having decided to live a life focused on God and as devoid of earthly connections as possible, monks understood that even the smallest of temptations, thoughts, memories, or sensory experiences could prove hugely problematic. Kreiner examines these distractions—and how monks faced them—using ever smaller spheres of existence: the world, the community, the body, books, memory, and mind. Throughout, she reminds readers that most monks were aware that the fight against distraction could be nearly impossible to win. “Their goal,” writes the author, “was an elusive synthesis of body and mind that could elevate them above the world’s distractions.” That synthesis was elusive, indeed, as distractions were unending and unyielding, but monks were able to develop coping mechanisms. Some methods were simple and commonly known (limits on conversation or personal ownership of objects). Others were more subtle, such as flooding former memories with new and holier memories or reading in a deliberately active style, keeping the individual aware and focused. Kreiner uses a wide array of primary sources spanning the entirety of medieval Christendom, creating a pleasantly readable result.

Good proof that the problem of distraction is nothing new.