Father Aumann, in ‘Spiritual Theology‘ continues: “There are two principal obstacles caused an uncontrolled imagination: dissipation and temptation.  Without recollection an interior life and a life of prayer are impossible, and there is nothing that so impedes recollection as the inconstancy and dissipation of the imagination.  Freed of any restraints, it paints in vivid colors the pleasure sin provides for the concupiscible appetite or exaggerates the difficulty the irascible appetite will encounter on the road of virtue, thus leading to discouragement.  But the difficulties can be avoided if we use the proper means.”

Father Aumann enumerates four means to avoid the above mentioned dangers of seeking illicit pleasure and of discouragement.  What are these beneficial means?

1. Custody of the external senses.
2. Prudent selection of reading material (entertainment: internet, films, music, socializing).
3. Attention to the duty of the moment.
4. Indifference to distractions

Silence: A Series of Conferences Given by a Camaldolese Hermit

Turin Horse