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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.
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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

Sue Beare says:

August 31, 2014 at 8:59 pm

I am very pleased to have found your site and soulful calling. Dancing with Joy,
Sue +

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Sadelle Wiltshire says:

August 28, 2014 at 6:40 pm

I both sign the manifesto AND rejoice in having found this website and the Facebook group… some goals to attend to that speak to my soul! Thank you!

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Nellie Moore says:

August 28, 2014 at 1:51 pm

I hereby commit to the joyful, loving, compassionate dance of life, I commit to the Monk Manifesto, and supporting this love and care throughout the world. May my toes, and all those I dance with, delight in the heart of being that dances in us all!

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Lee Spragg says:

August 27, 2014 at 12:43 pm

I commit to setting aside time morning and evening for prayer & meditation

I commit myself to striving to live in the present moment

I commit myself to trying to see all of God’s creation as a work of love and wonder and to return that love and wonder myself.

Thank you for the opportunity to share with others on the journey – to be supported and challenged by them and to hopefully provide support myself in return

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Cindy Kuhn says:

August 27, 2014 at 9:53 am

I agree with all my heart to the eight beautiful commitments of the Monk Manifesto and join with all the other wild and wonderful dancing monks twirling across our planet with great joy, enthusiasm and acceptance. Amen, amen!

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1. Mary McCue says:
  
  November 24, 2014 at 2:13 pm
  
  Cindy,
  My lord, I’ve never read such a perfect, poetic vow in my life! What do I say after that?! I guess “I do” will be enough.
  
  With great respect,
  M.E. McCue
  
  Reply
Tracy Bakkelokken says:

August 25, 2014 at 3:07 am

This Monk in the World course has been pure JOY! I commit to finding God in all things and being an expression of His love every day. I commit to using the arts as tools to deepen my connection to God and being with Him in the world through these great practices. Each day is a new chance to begin again, to join Him again–I love that! Blessings to all on the path.

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Elizabeth Lane says:

August 23, 2014 at 2:26 pm

I commit to contemplation, creativity and compassion…

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soofman says:

August 22, 2014 at 8:49 pm

I gladly submit to the manifesto:)

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Pamela Ashnault says:

August 18, 2014 at 8:30 am

I have been enjoying moments of silence and solitude throughout my life. The idea of finding a community of others with whom to share this practice is exciting. I love the concepts of radical hospitality and kinship with creation. I look forward to being a dancing monk cultivating creative joy.

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Carol Somsel says:

August 16, 2014 at 9:56 pm

I commit to a life of ongoing conversion and transformation…

Reply

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