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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.
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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

Elle Bieling says:

January 26, 2015 at 4:06 pm

I am very drawn to this online community. It seems to me like this is the real deal. I commit to the manifesto and my own personal journey. May I welcome and be welcomed into the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks.

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Melissa Cox says:

January 25, 2015 at 10:03 am

I commit to acknowledging God’s gift of wisdom in my life; new to me, but old as the universe. To love brother and sister. To hold my hands cupped and ready, symbolic of my Being as a vessel for the Spirit’s energy. To empty those hands, full of Spirit, over my own head and over the world I live in. To revel in darkness as well as light. To travel my transition with the grace, joy, and help of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

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Ev Ward de Roo says:

January 20, 2015 at 10:17 am

I commit to this manifesto.

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Christine McLaughlin says:

January 19, 2015 at 6:39 pm

Well, yes indeed. It’s good to articulate so clearly the direction this river path I’m on is taking me.

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Kim says:

January 18, 2015 at 8:32 pm

Thank you so much for this wonderful program. I am glad I found this site and all the great sources that you share. I am committing to the Monk Manifesto and just started the Artist’s Rule which I find another important synchronistic piece of the puzzle that is my journey right now! To end with the blessing giving thanks for the most ordinary grace and gift, to open myself to the possibility of contentment and zeal over life just as it is….to co-create with what is….so good for my soul! And a great start to the New Year!!

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Janice Eberley says:

January 12, 2015 at 4:59 pm

I humbly commit to the Monk Manifesto asking God for the grace to live it with gusto!
It is a joy to join my Secular Franciscan heart with the Spirit of Benedict and live in communion with all the Dancing Monks.

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Karen says:

January 12, 2015 at 9:13 am

Happy to find this group / Abbey.
I too commit to the Monk Manifesto.

Blessings to you all

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Cheryln says:

January 5, 2015 at 9:58 am

I willingly commit to this manifesto. I embrace Sabbath, seek solitude and connection with the Holy through the natural world (especially woods and water), and strive to live simply in communion with others.

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Samantha says:

January 4, 2015 at 1:34 am

It is with reverence. joy and great gladness that I commit to this manifesto and to this community.
How may I serve? Do you need a jester?
Samantha

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Kassy Wright says:

January 4, 2015 at 12:46 am

Sounds good to me, basically the way I live already except a bit on the solitary side, good to connect with likeminded folks.

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