Life has been full here at the Abbey this summer.  I am very hard at work this week getting ready to teach an intensive class on Contemporary Expressions of Monastic Spirituality for the School of Theology andMinistry next week.  I am so delighted to immerse myself in the coming days in discussion and exploration of the Benedictine life for contemporary times.  The intensive nature of the class means everything needs to be ready ahead of time but also means that we will get to experience the rhythms of monastic life and prayer as a part of our learning. I am also

The lovely Rachelle at Magpie Girl interviewed me for her series on creating Soultribes (a generous soulcare community).  Go over and read about my own experience of creating and sustaining a small group for deep soul work and then share some of your own wisdom. Make sure you also read yesterday's Sacred Artist Interview with Patricia Ariel. _______________________________________ © Christine Valters Paintner at Abbey of the Arts: Transformative Living through Contemplative & Expressive Arts Become a fan of the Abbey on Facebook, follow this blog on Facebook, friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter

Two links worth pouring a cup of tea for and lingering over: The lovely Rachelle is writing about photography as a spiritual practice over at her weekly Blogher column.  She is featuring my post on the subject (which has been one of the most linked-to posts I have written recently) as well as a number of other soulful photographers.  Lots of great jewels to be discovered there. I have seen this video of Elizabeth Gilbert's wonderful talk on creativity in several places , but first saw it at Tess at Anchors and Masts, and encourage you to watch it if you want

I was away for the weekend attending a workshop and returned last night to find my website down. After some long holds and frustrations with my hosting company and then the intervention of my web guy things are back on track now.  Apparently my site got hacked which a pretty unsettling idea.  There may be a few bumps still to smooth out, but look for the Poetry Party here shortly. Thanks for your patience!