Think Like a Monk
Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day
Jay Shetty
Simon & Schuster (2020)
- Emotional, Spiritual
- Book, Premium Content, Resource Summary
Key Takeaways
- Choose values over roles. Audit where your values come from and align daily choices—time, money, attention—with what matters most to you.
- Filter negativity. Notice and name negative thoughts, then replace them with calming breaths, writing, or gratitude to lower stress hormones and protect brain health.
- Detach to move forward. Let go of comparisons and fear-based thinking; focus on intentions that bring meaning instead of external praise.
- Serve with your strengths. Identify skills you enjoy (“dharma”) and use them to help others—service boosts mood, purpose, and community connection.
- Build simple routines. Morning and evening rituals create structure that frees mental energy for creativity and symptom-friendly pacing.
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The Essentials
Jay Shetty translates lessons from his years as a monk into everyday practices anyone can follow. He explains how unchecked roles, comparisons, and negativity drain joy, then offers tools—value audits, breathing exercises, and service-focused habits—to reclaim calm and purpose.
For people with Functional Neurological Disorder, stress and emotional overload can intensify symptoms. Think Like a Monk provides low-cost, brain-friendly techniques that calm the nervous system, foster positive self-talk, and spark motivation—all vital when energy is limited and uncertainty is high. The book’s short exercises and real-life stories make complex ideas easy to digest even during periods of cognitive fog.
Why This Matters for FND
Many with FND struggle with negative feedback loops: fear of symptoms, social comparison, and guilt over limited capacity. Shetty’s strategies—mindful labeling, detachment, and value-based action—directly interrupt those loops, supporting nervous-system regulation and emotional resilience. Because practices scale from a two-minute breath to longer service projects, readers can adapt them to fluctuating energy and mobility.
Resource Qualities
Applicability:
Accessibility:
Evidence-Based*:
Practical Value:
*Grounded in psychology and contemplative science but presented through personal narrative.
Practical Applications
For Individuals with FND
Low-Energy Days
- Do a 2-minute “companion audit.” Close your eyes, picture someone whose negativity drains you, then picture someone who lifts you up. Send silent gratitude to the latter.
Building Long-Term Wellness
- Start a daily “value check-in.” Each evening, write one small action that matched your top value (e.g., family time) and one tweak for tomorrow.
For Care Partners
Supporting Your Loved One
- Offer to read one paragraph aloud and breathe together for three slow counts—supports both nervous systems without extra planning.
Caring for Yourself
- Share weekly “service moments” with your loved one, celebrating any act (holding a door, texting encouragement) to reinforce purpose and connection.
When This is Most Helpful
- Newly diagnosed and feeling overwhelmed by information overload.
- During flare-ups when stress or low mood spikes symptoms.
- For care partners seeking quick mindset tools to stay supportive without burning out.
This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. It is not intended to replace professional consultation or treatment. Always consult qualified providers regarding your specific circumstances, symptoms, or questions.