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Monk in the World Gust Post: Nancy Collins-Warner 

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Nancy Collins-Warner’s reflection, “Circling Stones.” On the hill behind our little cabin, perched in a river canyon, is a circle of stones I laid out a decade ago. As taught by an Elder, stones are placed in each of the directions with a larger one at the center. I enter from a particular direction on a given day; walk it clockwise (rarely widdershins); or simply be with the whole inscription on the earth, under an imminent sky.

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August 11, 2021
Abbess love notes

Contemplation and Justice ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess

Dearest monks, artists, and pilgrims, My word for this year is humility. It shimmered for me because I knew in the heart of these challenging times I have so much still to learn, much wisdom to glean and integrate. A commitment to always being on the journey is the heart of the monastic virtue of conversion. One of the ways this is happening for me in particular is through our Lift Every Voice book club. I love being intentional about reading from a wider diversity of perspectives and letting those insights into the contemplative life shape me in new ways.  Our

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August 8, 2021
Lift Every Voice Book Club

Lift Every Voice: Contemplative Writers of Color – August Video Discussion and Book Group Materials Now Available

Join Abbey of the Arts for a monthly conversation on how increasing our diversity of perspectives on contemplative practice can enrich our understanding and experience of the Christian mystical tradition.  Christine Valters Paintner is joined by author Claudia Love Mair for a series of video conversations. Each month they take up a new book by or about a voice of color. The community is invited to purchase and read the books in advance and participate actively in this journey of deepening, discovery, and transformation.  Click here to view this month’s video discussion along with questions for reflection.  Join us on August 20th for

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August 4, 2021
Monk in the World Guest Post Series

Monk in the World Guest Post: Janeen Adil

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Janeen Adil’s reflection on the spiritual practice of savoring. When I lead a workshop or retreat that focuses on Christian spiritual practices and disciplines, I like to begin with some clarification. I explain that instead of considering any practice or discipline as an end unto itself, we would do better to regard them as preparations. Here, a little farming imagery can be helpful. By engaging in a practice, we can say that we’re plowing the fields of

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August 4, 2021
Abbess love notes

Upcoming Programs and Offerings ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess

Dearest monks, artists, and pilgrims, We are back after our July break from programs and newsletters. It is always a wonderful time for us to step back from the daily details of running an online Abbey and rest deeply. In the midst of that rested space emerges new inspiration for the year to come.  One of our projects during this time has been working with a wonderful website designer to revamp our website. It still has the feel of the previous site with easier set up for us and hopefully easier to navigate for you.  We are thrilled to continue

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August 1, 2021
Uncategorized

Dancing Monk Icon Cards Completion Packs

Over the last couple of years we have added some more dancing monks to our icon card set: Melangell of Powys, Muirgen of Lough Neagh, Clare of Assisi, and Julian of Norwich. This summer we have added four additional ones: Howard Thurman, Nicholas Black Elk, Sister Thea Bowman, and Abba Anthony the Great. Because many of you have ordered our icon card sets in the past and might want to complete your pack with these new ones we are offering a one-time chance to order a completion pack of these 8 cards. Order by August 31, 2021. Cards will be

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July 26, 2021

Upcoming Programs

Seven Gates of Mystical Wisdom: A Pilgrimage to the Heart’s Deep Core Lent Retreat
Seven Gates of Mystical Wisdom: A Pilgrimage to the Heart’s Deep Core Lent Retreat
5 Mar 25
Contemplative Prayer Service: Sabbath
Contemplative Prayer Service: Sabbath
10 Mar 25
Earth Psalter
Earth Psalter
21 Mar 25

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