As more talented and skilled an olympic athlete is to us in sport, so much more advanced to us are the true saints who practiced asceticism for decades.
Do not be discouraged or despair, for many, unlike the olympians, reached old age without having prayed or meditated correctly even once.
Begin the course set before you knowing this: what they have sought, you may seek as well, and in this pursuit of holiness, you have an opportunity as well.