Reflections

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World Guest Post series from the community. Read on for Kathy Roy’s reflection, “The Gifts of Silent Retreat.” Every year, I go on a silent retreat as part of my commitment to living the contemplative path.  I always choose a place that is secluded and nestled into nature.  This year, I rented a home in Peggy’s Cove with beautiful walking trails and views of the Atlantic Ocean. I was entering the silence to prepare myself for crossing the threshold into ministry.  I had been studying the mystical

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Cheryl Bartky’s reflection, “Eclipses and Shooting Stars.” The solar eclipse may be a forgotten memory for many of the millions of people who watched it on August 21st.  But for me, it is still alive: the slow progression of the moon’s shadow sweeping across the Sun.  The moments of complete darkness.   The shimmer of the Sun’s corona surrounding its now blackened center.  The re-emergence of the Sun’s light with a dazzling diamond flash.  The progressive unveiling of

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Debby’s Bellingham reflection, “Elevator Pitch.” “You need a memorable tag line,” adamantly declared one presenter. Another concurred, “You need to have your elevator pitch ready.” I naively attended a national Christian writer’s conference expecting instruction on honing my craft. Instead, I learned what I needed to do to become a “super blogger.” I didn’t really want to be a super blogger, but they knew better than me, they were published and recognized authors. The world needed my voice,

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Ally Markotich’s reflection, “Noticing as a Gateway to the Divine.” The rhythm of the day doesn’t escape me. Kylo won’t let it. He, our family’s zesty yellow lab, follows me close as I blearily pour my coffee. He pants as I slowly sip. He hopefully looks as I open my closet doors waiting for me to grab… Will she?… Won’t she? Sneakers! Yes! His awkward dance of whimper, whine and skip nearly trips me as I clip