I avoid most social gatherings, frankly because I know my soul has other questions to ask and answer as I get older (thank God my Franciscan community has honored this need). Small talk and "busyness about many things" will not get me there. . . . I suppose this protected interiority was the historic meaning of the cloister, vows of silence, silence in church, and guarded places and times inside of monasteries, where you were relieved of all the usual social pleasantries and obligations.

Richard Rohr, Action In Contemplation