although she grew up in an elite and aristocratic home, she refused these privileges and rather lived a humble life centered on spirituality. after the death of her uncle in 1592, carvajal engaged in legal battle with her brother over their inheritance. carvajal obtained her dowry and controversially decided to give the money to jesuit priests. carvajal rejected her nobility and began to distance herself from her family members as she began to abandon her royal customs. family members often criticized and rejected carvajal's behavior of associating herself with the poor. carvajal became engaged in social reversals going as far as putting herself under the obedience of other women, cooking, fasting and even begging for food.