Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

Login Here
Back to all

Monastic Wisdom

A monastery can never be merely an escape from the world. Its very purpose is to enable us to face the problems of the world at their deepest level, that is to say, in relation to God and eternal life. Everything in the monastic life down to the deepest level has to be viewed from this angle. 
–Bede Griffiths, The Golden String: An Autobiography

The real monastic walks through life with a barefooted soul, alert, aware, grateful, and only partially at home. 
-Joan Chittister, Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today

You might also enjoy

Monk in the World Guest Post: Callie J. Smith

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Callie J. Smith’s reflection Inner Hospitality On Those Different Days. My friend stopped his bike on the trail in front of me,

Read More »
June 10, 2026

From Intention to Attention ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess

Dearest dancing monks, artists, and pilgrims, This Friday, June 12th, we are delighted to welcome Brother Richard Hendrick, OFM Cap. for a retreat on moving From Intention to Attention: Becoming Really Present in Prayer. We will encounter this flow through the lens of the Christian contemplative tradition, looking at

Read More »
June 7, 2026

One Response