At some point in life, most of us experience what feels like a deep, unsettling silence in our spiritual journey. The prayers feel empty. The connection that once felt so alive now feels distant, or even nonexistent. The rituals, the practices, the things that used to bring peace—suddenly, they don’t resonate the same way.

The mind never stops. It’s always moving, always analyzing, always pulling us toward something—memories of the past, worries about the future, distractions in the present. Left unchecked, this endless stream of thought can feel overwhelming, keeping us stuck in cycles of overthinking, stress, and doubt. - Gene Quiocho

As the week starts, I’ve been reflecting on themes that have come up in my personal life, my work, and the moments of stillness in between. Here are three thoughts to carry into the new week: