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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

1,631 Responses

Robin Puchala says:

February 6, 2025 at 8:37 am

I commit to connect to the Divine, sometimes in silence and solitude but always praying. I commit to inner peace and joy; and creative practices to enrich others.

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Kelly Wilhelm says:

February 3, 2025 at 2:04 pm

I commit to the Monk Manifesto, releasing those things which no longer serve me and cultivating those that speak to my highest good.

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Elizabeth Flores says:

February 3, 2025 at 11:51 am

Dancing before the Lord draws me closer to God.

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Ferdinand says:

February 3, 2025 at 2:46 am

…I commit again and much more

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Sarah Sese says:

January 31, 2025 at 3:44 pm

I declare to celebrate, create and connect, while allowing to receive/seek with WHOLE heart to express/marinate/ripple… JOY, Shalom Peace, LIVING Hope and AGAPE love in daily groove and ALL relationships (God, self, others, Nature)…ALL in ALL…big & small🙏💞🌻

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Susan M Smith says:

January 16, 2025 at 1:35 am

I commit to the newness of spiritual rejuvenation and delight in the Spirit. Awakening to the inner monk and present to the monastery of the earth, I will seek God.

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Lisa K Harmon says:

January 15, 2025 at 1:46 pm

Having just spent time on spiritual retreat at Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia, I commit my life, my work, my being…my joy and my pain…to the One and the Way…in the dance of reciprocity and life!

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Betty Kibirige says:

January 14, 2025 at 6:06 am

To be present in my daily activities; living and working to God’s praise and glory. Always remembering to take a pause, a sabbath if you may, for renewal and rejuvenation. Allowing for a continual transformation as my being evolves with the love of Christ my Lord, Saviour and Redeemer; so that I may serve others with passion and compassion.

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Patricia Sullivan says:

January 9, 2025 at 3:15 pm

I continue a faith journey of seeking and living Benedict’s Rule. If I fall, I know I must get back up asking the Lord’s help. I am not alone.

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Wendy Akers says:

January 5, 2025 at 9:07 am

Dancing with joy and hope for peace into 2025..committing to embrace the monk manifesto on this journey through this beautiful and messy thing called life. Embracing life las a small child with wonder and awe.. 🫶🏻

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