I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Susan Miller Setiawan’s reflection “the way is made by walking.” This past April, my partner and I returned from Indonesia, where we had spent the previous 4 months leading a semester abroad for the small liberal arts college where I work.  Soon after we returned, a friend asked me how I was doing.  “Well,” I found myself saying, “I feel like my soul is still back in Indonesia.” I knew right away that I didn’t say that

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Deborah Foster’s reflection and poem on the dark night experience. I have attempted to describe stages of my contemplative experience with the emergence of the Dark Night. Over many years I became aware that a) This must be that Dark Night I keep hearing about; b) Will this ever end? c) It doesn’t, not for me at any rate, but keeps deepening and re-arranging my world view; d) Dark Night is a path that develops spiritual stamina,

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Elaine Breckenridge’s reflection on connection with the wisdom of her body, nature, and the healing presence within. In 2015, I took my first online community retreat with the Abbey, titled, The Wisdom of the Body. After years of neglecting my body, I began to “savor it” and care for it in life expanding ways. The biggest gift that came out of this particular retreat was yoga. Each week we were invited to watch videos with someone who led us

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Mary Francis Drake’s poetry on “beauty, grit, and grace.” I call my poetry ‘soul snapshots’ as they reflect a contemplation and insight of a particular moment in time. These everyday moments open to the inner gaze to reveal the sacred gifts that surround and imbue the stuff of life. I have chosen two poems from my collection called, ‘beauty, grit and grace’ (2016, Lulu Publishing). Toast & TeaSimple morning pleasuresSteaming cup warms hands and heartLashings of butter on crispy

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Wisdom Council member Richard Bruxvoort Colligan’s reflection A Monk in the (Complicated) World. Being a monk in the world means a complicated life. Yeah, I said it. Complicated. We may imagine a monk in their robe, complete with centered heart, peaceful face, yada, yada. But Jesus’ quote in the gospel of John (10:10) about sharing “abundant” life? The Greek word there has connotations of “exceedingly great,” “over and above,” and “more than is necessary.” Replace the word

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Judith Jessop’s reflection on solitude and community. A sabbatical is a precious gift. In my tradition it arrives like clockwork every 7 years for those in ordained ministry. The gift needs handling with care … and joy.  A prospectus is required – a sense of direction or purpose.  Waymarkers, if not a destination, in view; although, after 3 months, you’re back to work, offering out of whatever you may have become during the time of travel. My