I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Jenine Baines’ reflection, “Hail Mary, Full of Grace and Surprises and Smiles.” When I was twelve, I wanted to be a movie star or a nun. And while, outwardly, I’ve become neither, I carry the spirit of both within me. I believe with the fervor of a nun (or Monk in the World). Except when I don’t. When the doubts return and the ghost of the late renowned atheist Christopher Hitchens haunts me. Then I take a

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Lisa Deam’s reflection about inner pilgrimage in this time of pandemic. Thanks to the pandemic, we’ve all become a little monkish, whether we want to or not. I’ll admit that the recent months of isolation haven’t always felt very sacred to me. As I continue to restrict my movements out of extra caution, I’ve deeply missed the ordinary activities of daily life, such as gathering with friends and writing in coffee shops. And I mourn the loss

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Pat Leyko Connelly’s poem reflection, “When Winter Moves In.” Snow falling so hard like lace curtains falling from the sky. “It’s beautiful” I say. As it blesses the air it passes through and the ground it falls upon! Those beautiful bright winter days, those are the ones I dream of…with blue sky and brilliant bright sun! I go for walks and the cold air chills my face and fogs up my glasses! But it is beautiful, this

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Kathryn Coneway’s reflection on the contemplative practice of art making during uncertain times. “Now I am revealing new things to you Things hidden and unknown to you Created just now, this very moment. Of these things you have heard nothing until now. So that you cannot say, “Oh yes, I knew this.” -Isaiah 48:6-7 This passage from Isaiah is one of my favorite discoveries from reading “The Artist’s Rule.” For me, truly entering into the unknown and

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Peg Meisen’s reflection on noticing, appreciating, sharing and the value of silence. My perception of what it means to be a monk in the world is really to be one who is noticing, appreciating, and sharing.  Being a monk in the world involves movement, and growth toward greater freedom. It’s growing into the reality of God’s presence with us. It is like participating in an art expression, a dance or a musical piece. There’s always a new

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Michael Kroth’s reflection, “Haiku Drop.” Wind outside my house Cold breeze, sharp slap bites my cheek My eyes see nothing ~Michael Kroth, First Haiku, 1-21-19 I wrote my first haiku during a retreat in McCall, Idaho. I began reading The Art of Pausing: Meditations for the Overworked and Overwhelmed, by Judith Valente, Brother Paul Quenon, and Michael Bever that day, and followed their encouragement to write a haiku daily. On May 27, 2019 I finished reading the book –

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Janeen R. Adil’s reflection on spiritual direction. When I received approval from my denomination to work towards authorized ministry, a new and exciting journey began to unfold. Pastors on the committee overseeing the process laid out educational and other requirements; one urged that I find a spiritual director for myself. “I certainly will!” I told him enthusiastically. And then added, “Umm… What’s a spiritual director?” It was an innocent question. Although I had always been part of one