Strive to keep your mind from imagining any worldly thing outside of your monastery. Only one thought should replace them all—the remembrance of the adored Jesus. If something in your cell reminds you of someone, you must necessarily get rid of it, to avert by all means any occasion for war. Make an effort to erase your past. When it rouses itself and tries to choke you, call on Jesus and He will be ready to help you.
Elder Ephraim of Arizona
