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Monk Manifesto

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For a PDF version of the Monk Manifesto click the link to download a printable file.

The Monk Manifesto is also available in Spanish, German, and Norwegian translations. Click here for PDFs of Manifesto del Monje, Mönchs Manifest, and Munkemanifestet.

We invite you to. . .

Sign the Monk Manifesto below (scroll all the way to the bottom for the comment box). State your solidarity with others who want to express their inner monk in everyday life.
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Monk: from the Greek monachos meaning 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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations.
I commit to being a dancing monk, cultivating creative joy and letting my body and “heart overflow with the inexpressible delights of love.”*

*quote is from the Prologue of the Rule of Benedict

1,542 Responses

Yvonne says:

December 19, 2015 at 9:15 am

Yes! I commit to dancing on fire.

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Susie Scarborough says:

December 19, 2015 at 7:20 am

It is my heart to live the rest of my days on the planet committed to contemplation, creativity, and compassion for myself and others by the grace of God.

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DeShaunda says:

December 15, 2015 at 6:13 pm

With deep gratitude, I release my sacred YES and my sincere intention to join the community of dancing monks traveling this ancient path together into the fullness of the presence of God. And so it is.

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Kelly says:

December 13, 2015 at 9:01 pm

I declare my devotion to living a life of prayer, silence, and contemplation. I will serve the community I live in with compassion and kindness to the best of my ability.

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Mary Reilly Mathews says:

December 10, 2015 at 3:45 pm

I’m SO glad to have found this community. Two members of my Creativity & Camaraderie Club mentioned it last night. Looking forward to doing some of your self-studies!

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Marianna Müller de Martinez says:

December 6, 2015 at 10:28 am

of courseI say AMEN to the Monk°s Manifesto Marianna

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Olivia says:

December 5, 2015 at 5:56 pm

I commit to the practice of the principles illuminated in the Monk Manifesto, by the grace of God, cultivating time and space for prayer and contemplation, making space for creative engagement, and growing in compassion for my self and those with whom I am in community.

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becky przybylski says:

December 2, 2015 at 7:20 am

I commit to being a monk in the world. Thank you for your work and heart to share it. This was exactly what I needed for this season in my life and I bless God for the timing of this intersection and accompaniment on the path.

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Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo says:

November 23, 2015 at 1:11 am

Yes, I commit to leading a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life to the best of my ability in each moment.

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Elisabeth says:

November 22, 2015 at 2:10 pm

I commit to a life of contemplation, creativity and compassion, to walk with God and learn to look through divine eyes at the world around me.

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