How to Live: A Benedictine Workbook

Imagine a world battered by chaos, where trust is scarce and fear is common. It is the 6th century, yet the challenges mirror many we face today. Amidst this turmoil, a man offers a simple but profound answer: live fully, live simply, live in community. “Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days?” This ancient question reverberates through the ages, inviting us to embrace a life that is more than mere survival.

The wisdom of The Rule of St. Benedict emerges as a beacon, guiding us to build supportive communities where humility, hospitality, and gratitude are not just ideals but daily practices. The Rule counsels us to replace grumbling with praise, to seek collective well-being over individual gain, and to find freedom in simplicity. These pillars—community, simplicity, humility—form the foundation of a life well lived.

Modern science uncovers what the Rule intuited long ago. Oxytocin, the so-called 'morale molecule,' fosters trust and generosity, confirming that humans thrive when connected and caring. This hormone's role in bonding echoes Benedict’s call to nurture good zeal for one another, to be patient and supportive even in weakness.

Consider the contrast between the discord we witness daily and the alternative vision Benedict offers: a society where respect and patience are the norm, where silence and gratitude calm frayed nerves, and where every day begins with praise. In this vision, the frantic pace of modern life slows, inviting us to savor the present moment and to reorient ourselves toward what truly matters.

Let this ancient call awaken us. Let us yearn for life—not just to exist, but to thrive in balance and peace. This is the journey's beginning, the first step toward a deeper, richer way of living.

As we move forward, we will learn how listening deeply and practicing obedience open the doors to transformation and community.