Monk Manifesto
Want to join me in starting a monk revolution?
Let's spread a commitment to contemplation, creativity, and compassion far and wide!
State your solidarity with others who want to express their inner monk in their everyday lives by signing the Monk Manifesto below (scroll all the way to the bottom for the comment box).
- For a PDF version of the Monk Manifesto click the link to download a printable file
- The Monk Manifesto is now available in Spanish translation! Click here for a PDF of Manifiesto del Monje
- Scroll down for a Monk Manifesto Button for your blog or website
- Read some intial reflections and musings about the Monk Manifesto at the Abbey blog
- Subscribe to the free 7-day e-course on becoming a Monk in the World.
- Listen to a free series of monthly podcasts which explore each principle of the Monk Manifesto
Monk: from the Greek monachosmeaning single or solitary, a monk in the world does not live apart but immersed in the everyday with a single-hearted and undivided presence, always striving for greater wholeness and integrity
Manifesto: from the Latin for clear, means a public declaration of principles and intentions.
Monk Manifesto: A public expression of your commitment to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life.
1. I commit to finding moments each day for silence and solitude, to make space for another voice to be heard, and to resist a culture of noise and constant stimulation.
2. I commit to radical acts of hospitality by welcoming the stranger both without and within. I recognize that when I make space inside my heart for the unclaimed parts of myself, I cultivate compassion and the ability to accept those places in others.
3. I commit to cultivating community by finding kindred spirits along the path, soul friends with whom I can share my deepest longings, and mentors who can offer guidance and wisdom for the journey.
4. I commit to cultivating awareness of my kinship with creation and a healthy asceticism by discerning my use of energy and things, letting go of what does not help nature to flourish.
5. I commit to bringing myself fully present to the work I do, whether paid or unpaid, holding a heart of gratitude for the ability to express my gifts in the world in meaningful ways.
6. I commit to rhythms of rest and renewal through the regular practice of Sabbath and resist a culture of busyness that measures my worth by what I do.
7. I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations.
Eager to explore these principles more deeply?
Subscribe to the free 7-day e-course on becoming a Monk in the World.
Monk Manifesto Button
In addition to the printable PDF version of the Monk Manifesto, now you can also post a badge on your blog or website. Simply right-click and save the image and then posting an image with a clickable link to: http://abbeyofthearts.com/about/monk-manifesto/.
A friend lent me a copy of 'The Artist's Rule' , and this lead to discovering 'The Abbey of the Arts' and the Monk in the World movement.
I found that it resonated deeply with many initiatives that I've been trying to make in my own life (in England): to live more contemplatively, to practice hospitality and try to build community; growing more of our own food and living more simply.
It's really inspiring and encouraging to join this e-community.
Thank you to Christine and all the other participants.
I look forward to creating community with others through this website. Thanks for doing this.
The Monk Manifesto speaks deeply to the self I am praying to become. The process of "becoming" is of course a gift, but one must consent and make room for that gift. The resources I have found here at Abbey of the Arts help me do that.
Peace and blessings–and many thanks.
This is a beautiful site I will explore as my heart and soul have been on this path for some time now. I'm glad we met. You may find more kindred souls at the website of http://www.janphillips.com who is a wondrous spiritual leader and encourager of persons to add their creativity to the world.
I was taken by the word "transformation" when my grandfather had me memorize Romans 12:1,2 as a very young child. I was also determined to learn what the word "compassion" meant after I heard that same grandfather say it (I was very young at the time). These words have been the guideposts of my journey and I am still exploring their meanings. I learned a couple of decades ago that I have been a contemplative all of my life. Thanks to the influence of Kathleen Norris, I became a Benedictine Oblate, but I live in a rural area, far removed from a monastery or even any place to share with others of like mind. Thank goodness for such sites as this one!
I am looking forward to the rest and best of my life!
after seeking and seeking I have found you..I live in Germany and I am an Oblate since 1988 .because I live 700 km away from my convent I am now alone by myself with 76 years of age……but walking alone is very "alone " .I have been teaching such artist-things at the catholic school in Bremerhaven for 30 years……now I am very grateful having found you and I hope I have found finally MY PLACE ..after having signed the MONK MANIFESTO….I am making a picture out of it and I will hang it over my bed……….obviously these last days I am finding : yesterday a gardener to help me in my 1800 squaremeters garden and now you.PRAISE THE LORD.. I speak German , English , French and Latin…..so there will be no problem for understanding ……….Marianna
I believe I have signed the Monk Manifesto. I received and was/am nourished by the 7-Day e-course. I also signed up for the
Newsletter but have not received that. I am telling my friends about Abbey of the Arts. This arrived at precisely the perfect time in my life. Thank you.
Margo
I just finished the seven day e-course on being a monk in the world and I am very committed to live in the way that is outlined in the Monk Manifesto. I have read Christine's book – LECTION DEVINA – and have gotten a lot out of it as I find myself doing this practice daily along with my centering prayer. I'm most trilled to be a member of this revolution.
I have just completed the e-course and found a great peace in the invitation to structure and commitment. I have,in the past few months, suffered a huge disruption due to mental health issues and see a healing pilgrimage before me as I seek to follow the way. I look forward to serving the world as a monk with care and hospitality and prayer.
I am signing the Monk Manifesto because it fits in with everything that I am working on in my life at this point. Looking forward to the summer course "Way of the Monk, Path of the Artist."
Christine, the Monk Manifesto dovetails with my life's walk and I am delighted to have the chance to sign on. I am so grateful that you have created the abbey for which so many of we kindred spirits may join together. I thank you immensly for your spirit and support. Looking forward to ways in which we can be and become together. Love's blessings as you transition and take sabbatical.