I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Rachel Regenold’s reflection on the way creatures can become our soul friends and spiritual guides: A Monk with Four Paws Amos is a monk in the world in disguise with a shaggy coat, four paws, and an irrepressible sweetness. In the nearly seven years since he rescued me – though officially I rescued him by adopting him from a golden retriever rescue – he has taught me the most important lessons of my life. Really, they have been lessons that

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Elle Bieling’s reflection on the gift of yin yoga (one of my favorite practices!) and the holiness of the body: ‘Our own theological Church, as we know, has scorned and vilified the body till it has seemed almost a reproach and a shame to have one, yet at the same time has credited it with power to drag the soul to perdition.’ ~ Eliza Farnham (1815-1864) I don’t recall when I first discovered there was a wisdom contained within my

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Karen Erlichman’s reflections on the connection between being a monk in the world and the Jewish practice of Mussar: Being a Mussar Monk In Judaism we don’t have monks. I don’t even know if we have a Hebrew word for monk. We don’t have monastic living; in fact, Jewish theology emphasizes engagement in the world, our human interconnectedness, and our obligation to partner with God in ongoing co-creation. Jews do have many tools and practices that deepen our connection to

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Asther Bascuna-Creo’s reflections about the vow of conversion (conversatio) in Benedictine life: Always we begin again – St Benedict On the weekend I went out for a walk with my husband and little boy. It was a beautiful morning, the sky was blue and made an even deeper shade of blue because of the lush greenery in my surrounds. It was a beautiful neighbourhood, and we have chosen well where to establish a home. During our walk however there were

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Sherri Hansen’s reflections about her Benedictine bracelet: I’ve been a Benedictine oblate for five years which has been the most profoundly grounding practice to me spiritually. Oblates, for those who may not be familiar with them, are drawn to the 1500 year Rule of St. Benedict and strive to live out its principles of obedience, stability, and conversion of faith in their daily modern lives. Other core values include hospitality and balance in work and prayer life. It is relatively

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Beth Booram‘s reflections about the spiritual practice of hospitality: Hospitality and Hugs I was hugging someone goodbye recently when she commented, “Oooh, you’re a good hugger. Thank you!” Her comment seemed genuine and encouraged me because of my awareness that this “good hug” was given with intention. It’s part of what it means for me to offer hospitality. Ever since my husband, David, and I moved into our retreat center and home and began welcoming guests, we’ve been students of

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Stephanie Jenkins‘ reflections about spiritual direction and the contemplative life: Disrobe The wide expanse of sky echoes your heart’s desire and you glimpse for a clear moment the wings of your own soul soaring. It is time to stop tinkering with borrowed dreams that you wear like an ill-fitting dress— stiff-collared, pleated skirt, your arms limited by taffeta sleeves. It is time to shed the layers and slip into your own luminous skin. Tentatively, at first, you begin to disrobe.