I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Linda Lyzenga’s reflection on the practice of hospitality in the face of illness.  I had no idea when I signed the Monk Manifesto here at Abbey of the Arts three years ago how a broadened, deepened practice of hospitality would free me from much struggle and anxiety. Seven years prior, following St. Benedicts example, I had written my own rule of life when I began a course in spiritual formation followed by a spiritual direction practicum. There had been much unlearning to

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Gerry O’Neill’s poem about ways to practice the sacrament of Communion. Strange Communion No altar, No bread or wine, No priest, No word spoken To stir the dangerous memory of Jesus (John Baptist Metz) The drama is enacted Under a different form: Paper cup, coffee and hot roll, Offered up In a liturgy of love. The salivated cup passes, From lip to lip, Measured bites so all may have food For the journey To the sheltered workshop. Real presence in

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Rich Lewis’ reflection on centering prayer. When I slow myself down I remember I am a divine being.  One way I slow myself down is through the practice of centering prayer.  I have been practicing centering prayer since June 1, 2014.  The recommended guidelines are twice per day, twenty minutes each time.  Previously, I dabbled with centering prayer.  For a few months, I practiced once per night.  Each session lasted no longer than ten minutes.  I knew this was not enough.  I knew God was calling me.  I knew

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Megan Karlen’s reflection on finding beauty in the most ordinary of places: It’s been a number of years since I signed up for Abbey of the Arts. I receive the newsletters, I read the love notes, I have worked through a few of the online courses and yet I’ve been waiting: waiting to find the right time to delve into practicing the monastic life. The call for guest bloggers got me thinking about how so much time has passed and

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Jacqui Avery’s reflection on the living as a monk in the world in the midst of anger: Despite numerous attempts over the years to create a more dramatic and exciting persona, the two words most commonly used to describe me continue to be ‘nice’ and ‘calm’. Whenever it comes up in conversation with people that I am interested in contemplative prayer, or that I can think of nothing more refreshing than going on a silent retreat, or that I get

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Heidi Hewett‘s reflection on the contemplative practice of doing puzzles: I have a variety of spiritual practices I use either daily or throughout my week: lectio divina, centering prayer, creativity, silence, and walking meditation, but one thing I am adopting into my “when I need it” spiritual practice toolbox is doing puzzles. Normally, I do not choose to do a puzzle, which is why I felt a divine nudge with this particular experience—and how it turned into an opportunity for