Desert Fathers
The words "hesychast" and "hesychia" were frequently used in 4th and 5th century writings of Desert Fathers such as Macarius of Egypt, Evagrius Ponticus, and Gregory of Nyssa. The title "hesychast" was used in early times synonymously with "hermit", as compared to a cenobite who lived in community. "Hesychasm" can refer to inner or outer stillness, though in "The Sayings of the Desert Fathers" it referred to inner tranquility.