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Featured Poet: Jeanne Murray Walker

Last spring we launched a series with poets whose work we love and want to feature and will continue it moving forward. Our next poet is Jeanne Murray Walker whose recent work was created through the discipline of a sonnet format. Read her poetry and discover more about the connections she makes between poetry and the sacred. Watch and lister to her read “The Creation” below. Staying Power In appreciation of Maxim Gorky at the International convention of Athiests. 1929 Like Gorky, I sometimes follow my doubts outside and question the metal sky, longing to have the fight settled, thinking I can’t

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January 22, 2020

Monk in the World: Work 1 – Reflection by Christine + Art

Dear monks, artists, and pilgrims, During this Jubilee year of sabbatical we are revisiting our Monk Manifesto by moving slowly through the Monk in the World retreat materials together every Sunday. Each week will offer new reflections on the theme and every six weeks will introduce a new principle. Principle 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. “In Benedictine spirituality, work is what we do to continue what God wanted done.  Work is co-creative.

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January 19, 2020

Join Abbey of the Arts on retreat in 2021!

We are delighted that all of our 2020 pilgrimages and retreats have been full for several months now (you are always welcome to add yourself to our cancellation list as we do have folks drop out). We are scaling back on our live offerings for 2021 to allow more time for writing but are thrilled to announce the following programs which are currently open for registration: Writing on the Wild Edges: A Creative Retreat on the Island of Inismor (Ireland) with Christine & John Valters Paintner May 9-15, 2021 – limited to 18 participants More details here>> Poetry and the

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January 18, 2020

Livestream Event with Abbey Musicians Simon & Richard

We are so delighted that Richard Bruxvoort Colligan and Simon de Voil, two sacred musicians we work with extensively at Abbey of the Arts, are collaborating together and offering a livestream event next Wednesday (January 22nd). You can sign up below. They are both such soulful musicians as well as gorgeous presences bringing beauty into the world. We have a new album being released very soon to accompany Christine’s book *Earth, Our Original Monastery* (available to pre-order) and both Richard and Simon have songs featured on it! They each are a part of the Patreon platform, so you can support

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January 17, 2020

Earth, Our Original Monastery book excerpt

Mercy by the Sea retreat center has shared an excerpt from the introduction of Christine Valters Paintner’s forthcoming book Earth, Our Original Monastery: Cultivating Wonder and Gratitude through Intimacy with Nature: Everything in creation becomes a catalyst for my deepened self-understanding. The forest asks me to embrace my truth once again. The hummingbird invites me to sip holy nectar, the egret to stretch out my wings, the sparrows to remember my flock. Each pine cone contains an epiphany; each smooth stone offers a revelation. I watch and witness as the sun slowly makes her long arc across the sky and

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January 17, 2020

Monk in the World Guest Post: Elizabeth Brady

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Elizabeth Brady’s reflection “The Slow Unfurling of a Fiddlehead.” When I reflect on the question of how I live as a monk in the world I think of a fiddlehead. It is a delightful word to say and invites the inevitable question: what is a fiddlehead? A fiddlehead is the furled frond of a young fern. It is largely ornamental and can be eaten as a side dish, but if it were left on the plant to

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January 15, 2020

Monk in the World: Kinship with Creation 6 – Reflection Questions and Closing Blessing ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess

Dearest monks, artists, and pilgrims, During this Jubilee year of sabbatical we are revisiting our Monk Manifesto by moving slowly through the Monk in the World retreat materials together every Sunday. Each week will offer new reflections on the theme and every six weeks will introduce a new principle. Principle 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. Reflection Questions How are you being called to awaken this new day? Where are you being invited to embrace your own radiance in

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January 12, 2020

Featured Poet: Sofia M. Starnes

Last spring we launched a series with poets whose work we love and want to feature and will continue it moving forward. Our next poet is Sofia M. Starnes whose work is centered on God, as infinite mind and heart. Read her poetry and discover more about the connections she makes between poetry and the sacred. Listen to her read “The Soul’s Landscape” below. Intercession I A time for keeping quiet, A time for speaking … —Ecclesiastes: 3 Not the attic light, but the bricks that left us asking where the house was, and the widow-walk. Not the porch lamps, but

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January 8, 2020

Give Me a Word 2020 Prize Drawing Winners

Thank you to everyone for sharing your word for the year! The winners of the prize drawing are: Self Study Retreat of Your Choice Maryrose Coughlin – Divine Kat Dub – Transform Betty Cooper – Becoming Grace McGuire – Listen Donna Summerford Bennard – Healthy One signed copy of The Soul’s Slow Ripening: 12 Celtic Practices for Seeking the Sacred by Christine Valters Paintner Segads – Nourish One signed copy of Dreaming of Stones: Poems by Christine Valters Paintner Crystal – Generous One signed copy of Earth, Our Original Monastery: Cultivating Wonder & Gratitude through Intimacy with Nature by Christine Valters Paintner (this book will be

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January 6, 2020

Monk in the World: Kinship with Creation 5 – Suggestions for Practice ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess

Dearest monks, artists, and pilgrims, During this Jubilee year of sabbatical we are revisiting our Monk Manifesto by moving slowly through the Monk in the World retreat materials together every Sunday. Each week will offer new reflections on the theme and every six weeks will introduce a new principle. Principle 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. Suggestions for Practice: Contemplative Walk Each time you go for your walk, see if you can begin with a sense that

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January 5, 2020