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

Login Here

Monk Manifesto

Sign the manifesto!

Want to join us in starting a monk revolution?

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.
  • Subscribe to the Abbey email newsletter and receive regular soul nourishment.
  • Watch the visual meditation version.
  • Share the monk love with others by sharing this page with others.
  • Join the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks!

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  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.
  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.
  6. 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.
  7. I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations.
  8. 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

 

1,701 Responses

  1. I have been reading on this website for over a year, but am just now signing the Monk Manifesto. I want to truly commit to living my beliefs. The kinship with nature and love of solitude come naturally. May God continue to open my heart to radical hospitality and appreciation for my capacity for creativity (that has felt lost for a long time!) Peace to all who follow Christine’s leading and thank you Christine for encouraging all of us to seek peace and wisdom and live with compassion.

    Reply

  2. The weaving together into a tapestry of wholeness – contemplation, creativity, compassion – has always been the point of the integrated monastic life and the longing of my own.

    Reply

  3. I received a copy of “The Artist’s Rule” for Christmas. Working through the chapters has made an incredible difference in how I see and honor my own creativity. And even more importantly, in how I see and honor my true self. Gladly joining this community.

    Reply

  4. I came upon your website a few weeks ago and instantly felt your message resonate. I have just completed your 7 day “Monk in the world” course. I have started each of the 7 mornings by reading your email message and silently reflecting on it for 10 minutes. I am amazed that this small gift to myself has made such a difference in my state of consciousness! Thank you, Christine! Many blessings to you and your readers!

    Reply

  5. I am so happy to join my brothers and sisters here, all kindred spirits. I’m an Oblate of an order, but I live far from the monastery–this is my new order for daily living and sharing. THANK YOU Christine and THANK YOU my new friends.
    beth

    Reply

  6. I commit today to follow the principles of the Monk Manifesto. Thank you for the invitation and the insights shared through your wonderful ministry!

    Reply

  7. After attending a retreat at our local monastery, I can attest that this is the answer to being present, and I really need that. With a little commitment on my part, I feel certain the rewards will be huge.

    Reply

  8. YES! YES!! YES!!! I’m encouraging all my friends to join with me in accepting this gracious invitation. Thank you!

    Reply

  10. I join hands with others in this amazing
    opportunity to live out the values that have
    been active in me my whole life. Thank
    you for this place, these words, images,
    and reflections. My commitment to
    this way of life has received validation
    and is strengthened by the presence
    created by your work . Thank you and may
    you be blessed as you have blessed others.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *