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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.
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

Lynne Sedgmore says:

March 12, 2015 at 12:28 am

I am a Benedictine oblate of Douai Abbey but love this wonderful website and order. I feel inspired and drawn to sign up to the manifesto and will become involved in your rich offerings, what a gift this is. Thank you

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Kelly Hall says:

March 9, 2015 at 10:29 pm

This is a dream come true for me. I am thankful to have found you. I have been on a journey back towards my Celtic roots for…I don’t know how long!…and, I have been solidly guided by Spirit to right here, right now. Some of the things I read in this site reflect a conversation I had just hours ago with a dear friend.

I am breathing this moment in. I am committed!

Blessing you, Kelly

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Sue Walsh says:

March 9, 2015 at 4:58 am

I never noticed this response space before!
I wholeheartedly commit myself to this way of living.
Thank you for the gift of the Abbey!

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Nancy Brady says:

February 21, 2015 at 12:24 pm

I commit to this manifesto! I have been on a journey and believe that I was sent here because it so resonates with the path I am on. There are no coincidences. I look forward to becoming a part of this group and continuing the journey with all of you.

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1. Bev Wilson says:
  
  February 23, 2015 at 1:08 pm
  
  Welcome, Nancy! So glad you have joined us. May be blessed here as so many of have been and continue to be.
  
  Reply
Emilie Collins says:

February 19, 2015 at 8:21 pm

I commit myself to this manifesto!!!

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1. Chris Helmuth says:
  
  March 3, 2015 at 9:44 am
  
  I committed beginning exactly two years previously. Live a physically celibate life in the physical aspect, and adhere to all above lifestyle choices.
  
  Thank you for being here to support my walk on the red path. I look forward to your valuable information and support in the future.
  
  Warmest regards,
  
  Chris Helmuth
  
  Reply
Kate McGillivray says:

February 11, 2015 at 5:49 am

It has taken so many years of spiralling round but here I am :-) Delighted to have found this group, this place, Christine’s resources. Being a naturally quiet soul, who relishes time alone, being in community will be the greatest challenge for me. The Spirit works in mysterious ways… I am learning about trust and openness.
Love to you all ?xxx

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Jane Vernon says:

February 6, 2015 at 6:43 am

For more than 2 years I have been connected with Christine’s work both through her book resources and on her Abbey of the Arts website. It has been a glorious connection! I am so very grateful for this “work” and the deeper experience of the Holy One. I love the metaphor of the “inner monk” and the “inner artist”. Most of all I so resonate with the Dancing Monks! In June of 2104 I began connecting with Interplay and a Spiritual Director who is an Interplay facilitator as well as certified and Creative and Authentic Movement. It is deeply healing work!
I had hoped to be a part of The Honoring Your Body Retreat in WA state, but it has not worked out to my great disappointment. I am planning to take the Lenten Retreat which will be my first on-line retreat with Christine and John. I have the on-line Monk retreat downloaded but have not as yet been able to enter into that experience. All in time!
Blessings to all the Dancing Monks,
Jane

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Kathie Sherman says:

February 2, 2015 at 1:32 pm

I am delighted to find this community.
My husband and I practice contemplative prayer, together and alone.
My soul longs for that special time of silence where I am sitting before our Lord, seeking His face, resting in His arms, and asking Him to more fully occupy my body, soul and spirit.
I am a very energetic person, but I absolutely need times of silence each day.
I love to find special place to be alone with Him, which I call ” My Circle of Quiet.”
I long to be joined in person with others in my area who also delight in these times of quiet meditation before Him.
I hope to soon find fellow journiers both here in San Antonio and through cyberspace.
Blessed, Kathie ??

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LydiaS says:

January 28, 2015 at 4:30 pm

I joyfully commit to the Monk Manifesto, to the sound in silence, the point of light in the greater illumination, and the green of every new leaf.

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Sheryl Layne says:

January 26, 2015 at 7:15 pm

I commit to the Monk Manifesto of contemplation, creativity and compassion.

Reply

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