Today, the need to “disconnect” and to “isolate” from the world is increasingly advertised as the solution for the stress caused by the Internet and social media. Technologies are modifying the way we work, the way we live, and the way we entertain and relax. Going to the countryside and spending some time in an isolated house seems to be the cure for the diseases related to this reality. You can go to a yoga retreat, to a SPA weekend, or to a holiday week with your family. The options are endless.

The idea of isolating oneself from society is not new. Centuries ago, it was applied for those who wished to dedicate themselves to religion. This is true not only to Christianity, but also to other religions like Buddhism, and Hinduism. The concept is the same: monks go to live, permanently or temporarily, in a building in the middle of nowhere to pray, study, and work. “Monk” comes originally from the word monos, which means “alone”. A “monastery” is the place where “monks” live. Originally, it came from the Greek work monazein, which means “to live alone” or a “hermit’s cell”. In a way, monks were “forged” in the idea of being hermits, those who went to live in caves totally alone and without any contact with the outside world. However, in monasteries, monks usually live in a community, although they have their own “cell” where they sleep and spend some time alone, like a bedroom. And celibacy is mandatory.

Monasteries are usually located in idyllic places, surrounded by nature, often on top of mountains. Curiously, the connection between “God” and “nature” is very strong. The top of mountains is considered to be closer to “Heaven”, thus, closer to “God”. And it is true that by being in the middle of nature one is further from the noisy society and it is easier to concentrate on divine matters.

Meditation is regularly practised by Buddhist and Hindu monks whereas Catholic monks pray several times a day. Although a little different, the aim is similar: to detach oneself from earthly matters and give yourself to something beyond oneself. Besides praying/meditating, work is also very important, especially cultivating vegetables and aromatic herbs, cooking, and producing beverages. Delicious desserts, cheeses, bier, and wine are among well-known monks’ creations. They had time to think about it during theology’s breaks. They also had time to copy important books and built distinguished libraries.

Monks are men and live in monasteries. In the case of women, they are called nuns and live in convents. In addition to the same roles as monasteries, convents had another role in society. Before disobedient women were considered hysterical and were locked up in psychiatric institutions by their fathers or husbands, they were locked up in convents and forced to follow a “life of faith” as a solution for their “sins”. Although contact with the outside world was cut, many nuns would become pregnant. Then, they would say it was the Holy Spirit who impregnated them. Yet, the truth was different and sometimes the babies were actually from monks… as monks and nuns would work together many times. All in the name of God.