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

Monk 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.

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

Jeri Bidinger says:

April 26, 2014 at 1:44 am

A lovely statement which reflects much of our chosen way of life….

Reply
Rev. Martha M. Cruz says:

April 25, 2014 at 10:53 am

Yes! Amen!

Reply
dorrussell says:

April 17, 2014 at 11:21 am

The Monk Manifesto Sooo Fits Into My Life.

I have been searching for an Abbey of the Arts for a long time!!!

I have a blog called The Hermitage.
and
I recently found a retreat center
Desert House of Prayer – which has hermitages
and I was putting it on my future to do list.

I found your site through David Frenette’s facepage.
and I am soooo happy.

thank u for your existence!!!!!

dorisss

Reply
Jenny Meyers says:

April 15, 2014 at 7:47 am

I am so very grateful to become a part of this community and participate in its beautiful Rule of Life. I am looking forward to the continuing journey with all of you…

Reply
Kathy says:

April 7, 2014 at 10:48 am

To all of these I commit, with hope in my heart. Thank you.

Reply
Caroline Marvin says:

April 7, 2014 at 4:46 am

yes, and thank you for creating this opportunity for deeper commitment and community.
Caroline Marvin

Reply
Elaine says:

April 6, 2014 at 1:53 pm

I am convinced that God has led me here. It seems there are no accidents in what He sends my way. Always just what I need.

Reply
Christine Convery says:

April 3, 2014 at 2:38 pm

Thank you for the opportunity to be a monk in the world today. I’m a Mercy Associate (nigh on 20 years) and am now very grateful to have found you guys and gals. I’m committing to the Monk Manifesto today. I’m a contemplative by nature and practice Lectio Divina. I also love dancing and the arts in general. Kinship with creation is also very important, especially as much of this planet is in dire straights at present. Hospitality comes as a natural way for me as a wife, mother of four adult children and grandmother of five beautiful little gifts from God. May we always stay committed to this way of being in the world.
May God bless you and keep you safe,
Chris.

Reply
Mark says:

April 2, 2014 at 11:53 pm

Wonderful resource of support!!
Yes!!

Reply
Lori says:

April 2, 2014 at 3:51 am

How serendepitous! Finding this group: A timely answer to prayer.

Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply