The essence of hesychasm is in finding maximal silence. Not external, but internal silence. When a person keeps aloof from his or her personal concerns at most. Monks are not idlers, they work hard, but they do it according to their obedience, without making any plans. They do not invent their obediences, but receive the tasks. That is why, in a way, they are free. Their spiritual guide and abbess think for them. They do not make plans for their future, but live for the day. They try to hold back their emotions and longings. They do not even demand from God, “Give me the spiritual state I want to have here and now.” No, they…
humbly count their beads, reciting the Jesus prayer and wait for God, Who will come to them Himself. They do not ask for anything, but say, “Lord, let me only look at You and address You, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”” They do not hasten their spiritual success and do not even make plans for their spiritual life, not to mention their short-term earthly life. They take everything with humility and patience, and find their only joy in belonging to God and saying to the Savior, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me,” and work. Meanwhile, God gives them at a time and to such an extent, which He considers necessary.