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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

1,669 Responses

Heleni says:

March 13, 2014 at 8:34 pm

Contemplation is where my soul finds rest in God, strength for the daily struggles, peace for my restless heart, joy in the love of Jesus. This Lent I find that I do need to Center more closely the activities and demands of daily living in this world, clear the debris, so to speak, clean out the unleavened bread while yearning for the holy Bread of Life at Easter.

Thus I stumble at the doorstep of the Abbey and the 8 day course which I hope will help me in this pilgrimage.

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Marilyn says:

March 11, 2014 at 11:44 am

This is what I need right here, and right now. Thank you.

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Betsey Davis says:

March 10, 2014 at 5:36 am

I commit to be a partner in creativity with our Creator to bring joy by exploring the gifts given to me and sharing with others.

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Maureen says:

March 5, 2014 at 8:06 pm

Lent: an integration of spring cleaning and spring training for a deeper immersion into who I am and Whose I am. DARE is my word and my challenge. I accept.

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Bev Seitz says:

March 2, 2014 at 6:14 am

I commit to living as a monk of the world following the guidelines. The 8 week course helped widen my horizons and put me on a new path. Blessings to you.

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mary ann metz says:

February 27, 2014 at 7:01 pm

I am a kindred spirit longing for others who are on the journey of discovering the many facets of God. I want more God and less religion; I want the relationship that brings inner peace that over flows into the world; I desire a world that respects all of God’s creation.

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Bro. Jeffrey Herrington says:

February 27, 2014 at 3:28 am

I am loving this more and more as I allow myself to take the time to read and listen with a contemplative heart and mind. I am moving to a smaller town with my wife and have already found where the Franciscans are. also, hope to connect with the local Carmelite community. I am so thankful to our Lord for this move as I will be reconnecting with family and friends I have not seen for years. thank you for your inspiration and the 8-week course on Monk in the world. I find myself not needing to sleep my life away as I feel committed to this new moment in my search and relationship with Jesus. God bless you and your wisdom br jeffrey

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Dan says:

February 25, 2014 at 4:49 pm

I welcome this opportunity and accept this invitation to join with others in a commitment to inhabiting the luminous, liminal spaces where creativity and compassion flourish and feed the soul.

Very happy to be among you!

Dan

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Ardine Martinelli says:

February 24, 2014 at 5:07 pm

My heart opens and a big YES resounds. I commit to living the best I can as a Monk in the World.

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Wanda Kosler says:

February 24, 2014 at 10:58 am

What a Blessing, one I’ve been searching for so long. Now I’m home. Wanda

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