I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Dotti Delffs‘ reflection, Spiritual Practicals. When I first heard of spiritual practices I thought you had to be Catholic or Greek Orthodox or some sort of woo-woo denomination to practice them. Then about twelve years ago, I was talking to a friend who had just completed a Benedictine spiritual formation program. I had no idea what such a program would involve but something inside me said, “I have to do that.” Two days later, I was sitting in

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Janelle Harvey’s reflection, The Language of Feathers. On a cold winter day, after discovering the truth and severity of your daughter’s drug addiction, you might find yourself running into the woods seeking the comfort and presence and help of God in that place of solitude and solace. Desperate tears will freeze on your cheeks as you sob a prayer to God: Help! Please! Protection! The words won’t matter; you will have turned all your attention to God. Sorrow,

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Pat Butler’s reflection, Thirsty Walls.  As veteran homeowners know, the work never ends. Nor does spiritual work. And as this novice homeowner discovered, one can inform the other in a monastic practice of restoration: renovations! Wall prep seemed to go on forever as I peeled wallpaper, cleaned and scrubbed glue, repaired cracks and spackled dings, sanded, preparing the walls to receive paint. I prayed through the work—for help, strength, knowledge, protection—in this new monastic cell, with a

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World Guest Post series from the community. Read on for April’s reflection on becoming a monk in the world. When did I start living as a monk in the world? My journey began as a child in a divided and strife filled home where I knew God’s intimate whisper through writing and nature. Though I was too young to consciously understand, my inner being longed for a monastic life.  I voiced this inclination and asked a couple of adults how to become a nun. We were not

I am delighted  to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series. Read on for Ray Tetz’s reflection, “Here We Go.“ UA 301 LAX to BWI, Early June The rather elderly couple in line behind me were worried about being in the right line. After listening for a few minutes, I turned and suggested that since he uses a cane, he could probably pre-board, and avoid the line entirely. “I hate doing that,” he said. “Like getting the senior discount, it’s a little bit embarrassing.” “Nah,” I said. “It will be so much easier for

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World Guest Post series from the community. Read on for Kathy Roy’s reflection, “The Gifts of Silent Retreat.” Every year, I go on a silent retreat as part of my commitment to living the contemplative path.  I always choose a place that is secluded and nestled into nature.  This year, I rented a home in Peggy’s Cove with beautiful walking trails and views of the Atlantic Ocean. I was entering the silence to prepare myself for crossing the threshold into ministry.  I had been studying the mystical

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Cheryl Bartky’s reflection, “Eclipses and Shooting Stars.” The solar eclipse may be a forgotten memory for many of the millions of people who watched it on August 21st.  But for me, it is still alive: the slow progression of the moon’s shadow sweeping across the Sun.  The moments of complete darkness.   The shimmer of the Sun’s corona surrounding its now blackened center.  The re-emergence of the Sun’s light with a dazzling diamond flash.  The progressive unveiling of