“Monastic” is a Temperament

As I allow myself to ease more deeply into the monastic life that has presented itself to me, I am increasingly convinced that “monastic” isn’t made. Neither is it chosen. Instead, it seems, like the Enneagram that suggests we are born our Type (perfectionist, helper, performer, etc.), if we are meant to be monastic, we are born that way. From this perspective, we could say that monastic is a temperament (the more accurate term used in the Enneagram system to describe our type).

I am fortunate to find myself surrounded by those of monastic temperament. Whether it be family, friends, or acquaintances, I have come to identify common traits and preferences that seem to be present among those likely born of monastic temperament who over time have come to choose a monastic lifestyle. The traits that I have been able to identify include (but are not limited to) the following:

A tendency toward introversion.
Preferring solitude to crowds.
Comfortable (even thriving) in silence.
Choosing one-on-one interactions over group interactions.
Become easily overwhelmed in crowds.
Feel vulnerable in the presence of loud sounds, bright lights, frantic movement, high-stress or high-activity environments.
Sensitive to other people’s feelings, may even feel them as their own.
Sensitive to the plight of humanity.
Challenged by a capitalistic culture that places value on and promises to reward people for activity, achievement, etc.
Tend not to be competitive.
Prefer athletic interests that are solo or singular over team sports.
Interested in personal growth and development.
Focused on healing the wounds of their past so they can feel better about themselves and better serve the world.
Feel a deep call to service.
Quiet. Introspective.
Often invisible (or feel invisible) to the world.
Feel as if they don’t fit in to “regular” society.
If in society, they often feel a deep need to escape.
Whether by choice or circumstance, finding themselves living simply.
Not motivated by money, status, or power.
Struggle with imposter syndrome.
May suffer from chronic illness including perceived mental health issues. (are they illnesses or mental health issues or simply the consequences of living in a world not made for us?)
Find enjoyment in simple activities such as reading, meditating, listening to music, cooking, gardening, being in nature.

By no means is this list exhaustive, but these are some of the common traits I have seen in those finding themselves living a monastic life. As much as we are unable to choose our temperament, it seems also that living a monastic life is not a choice. In the way I have experienced it and observed this in others, it seems that if we are called to be monastic, life will take us there no matter what. For the vast majority of those I know currently living monastically, (including myself) they arrived here kicking and screaming. This is the force of a culture that demands we be productive members of society and defines productivity by how hard we work and how much our work supports the gross national product (the wealth of the elite). The monastic temperament defies that culture for our purpose here is not to be part of the status quo, but to show humanity another way.