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/.
Poised here on the verge of Christmas Day (in NZ, a few hours ahead of the USA!) seems an appropriate time to commit myself to the Monk Manifesto. Through this commitment, may I be part of bringing Christ to birth in the world. Rich blessings, monk friends!
It's utterly amazing to me how God leads me. In my opinion, there are no accidents …and the course of events that led me 1st to your book as I was simply browsing Amazon ..then to this website …then to this Manifesto, are absolute confirmation to me that my spiritual path is being guided by the powerful and awesome essence of the Holy Spirit. And this Manefesto? Why, this is already my bent – albeit not nearly as refined as it needs to be. Without question I'll sign and submit to this commitment. Without question I'll relish the opportunity to continue my own transformation …and with a servant's heart, encourage others to do the same.
For about 10 years I have been "practicing" my own modified version of the Hours of the Day and, more recently, have included the daily meditation by Richard Rohr in my "Lauds" prayer periond. It is very meaningful to me, however, to be able to "identify" with a Movement of others committed to being a Monk in the Word." May those of us who sense ourselves to be "in the world but not of the world" draw support and inspiration from each other and to what we can to lovingly transform the world. Thank to Christine and the Abbey of the Arts for their creative and gererative efforts.
Clifford O. Smith
This is a renewal of my efforts to be present in the world, to value the path with God as primary, to serve.
This is exactly what I've been looking for. I love that there are 7. I think I'll take take one to ruminate on each of my daily walks. Thank you so much, and Happy New Year!
This is my commitment to live differently.
I say Yes to Jesus and Mary as they lead me to God through contemplation and writing.
I love you, I thank you and I surrender all that I am to you.
All belongs to You and "all is grace"
I wholeheartedly commit!
I commit myself to this daily!
peace,
pat
I feel welcomed into my new community of monks. What a blessing! The communion of saints.
Wow, I just finished the 7-day e-course on being a Monk in the World. It was incredible – I felt "home". I am so eager to commit, a bit frightened – a lifetime commitment as I sit alone in my little cabin at my computer, in the chill of Michigan winter. 25 years old. I sense, though, that the commitment has been in me all along, it is who I am, this is just making it official!! To seek to receive and give love more and more. Thank you Christine for this creative expression of your faith and welcoming us on THE journey. Blessings all, and hello!
I join hands with others in this amazing
opportunity to live out the values that have
been active in me my whole life. Thank
you for this place, these words, images,
and reflections. My commitment to
this way of life has received validation
and is strengthened by the presence
created by your work . Thank you and may
you be blessed as you have blessed others.
The anticipation fills me with joy – the words of the Monk Manifesto are my invitation to enter.
YES! YES!! YES!!! I'm encouraging all my friends to join with me in accepting this gracious invitation. Thank you!
After attending a retreat at our local monastery, I can attest that this is the answer to being present, and I really need that. With a little commitment on my part, I feel certain the rewards will be huge.
I commit today to follow the principles of the Monk Manifesto. Thank you for the invitation and the insights shared through your wonderful ministry!
I am so happy to join my brothers and sisters here, all kindred spirits. I'm an Oblate of an order, but I live far from the monastery–this is my new order for daily living and sharing. THANK YOU Christine and THANK YOU my new friends.
beth
I came upon your website a few weeks ago and instantly felt your message resonate. I have just completed your 7 day "Monk in the world" course. I have started each of the 7 mornings by reading your email message and silently reflecting on it for 10 minutes. I am amazed that this small gift to myself has made such a difference in my state of consciousness! Thank you, Christine! Many blessings to you and your readers!
I received a copy of "The Artist's Rule" for Christmas. Working through the chapters has made an incredible difference in how I see and honor my own creativity. And even more importantly, in how I see and honor my true self. Gladly joining this community.
The weaving together into a tapestry of wholeness – contemplation, creativity, compassion – has always been the point of the integrated monastic life and the longing of my own.
I have been reading on this website for over a year, but am just now signing the Monk Manifesto. I want to truly commit to living my beliefs. The kinship with nature and love of solitude come naturally. May God continue to open my heart to radical hospitality and appreciation for my capacity for creativity (that has felt lost for a long time!) Peace to all who follow Christine's leading and thank you Christine for encouraging all of us to seek peace and wisdom and live with compassion.
When I read the words of this manifesto, I feel something move so deep within me. At times a soft moan accompanies this movement, and I am a little surprised to find the sound has come from me as well. The things on this list are generally not what characterizes what is expected or rewarded in this culture, so I am grateful for the focus, intention, and sense of community they bring along with the opportunity to publicly express my commitment to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life.
I would like to add my name to the manifesto. I am an Irish/Northumbrian Explorer in the Community of Aidan and Hilda.
I commit
Dear friends, thank you for the invitation to commit my life as I was first called as a child. Here I have found the community of kindred spirits I have been searching for – God bless you!
in the midst of the 3rd month of a personal Year of Jubilee, almost like a Sabbath year if you will, with the accompanying rest, self-exploration, laying fallow, freedom and forgiveness, this is a perfect set of principles to which I can dedicate myself for the good of the world, myself, included. I belong to a wonderful group of women who are together following the Artist's Rule book monthly per chapter. What a wonderful community, and a powerful process which reinforces the work I am doing in solitude and quiet. Thank you for giving us the words to express a commitment to something so vital.