Dearest monks and artists, This coming Tuesday represents two significant relationships in my life.  September 3rd is my mother’s birthday, she would have been 71 and it is also my 19th wedding anniversary with my beloved, and your online Prior, John. My mother’s death 10 years ago was unexpected and wrenching.  I was blessed to be by her side at the moment of her last breath. Truly it was one of the holiest moments of my life and one of the most terrible, as this woman I loved so dearly was torn from me too soon.  Her death plunged me into a depression for the

Eyes of the Heart: Conference in Chicago with Christine Valters Paintner Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Mundelein Seminary Join Benedictine Oblate, retreat leader, and widely acclaimed author, Christine Valters Paintner, as she invites us to consider how viewing the world through the lens of a camera (even a humble cell phone camera!) can become a means of “seeing” the Sacred all around us in a fresh, new way. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras so that they, too, may capture the beauty of God in the world around us. (register at this link and scroll down to October 19th).

Hello monks and artists!  We are opening up a Facebook group for the *Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks* and ongoing conversation (facilitated by Wisdom Council member Melissa Layer but I will also check in as I can).  We want it to be a place of connection and ongoing support for the contemplative and creative journey, and we will see what evolves.  Part of being a monk in the world is stepping into the possibilities and seeing what happens! To join you can go to this link (you will need to be logged into your Facebook account to see it) and click “Join

With the advent of the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks and the way this community continues to grow, I am finding myself called to listen to ways the Abbey can support you in creating your own small groups and gathering circles with others in your local community, for in-person dancing monk delight. 1. On all self-study and selected community online classes I am now offering a small group discount when you register together with others.  My hope is that this might encourage you to gather a small group of kindred spirits together and have a structured format of material to reflect on

This week I want to introduce a very special project that has been incubating for a while.  It began as a desire to share the spirit of generosity at the Abbey in a more visible way while also making a statement about causes we believe are vital. The Wisdom Council, John the Prior, and I bring you the Earth Monastery Project.  This is a new small grant program designed to inspire and nourish you in creating projects rooted in contemplative wisdom and creative expression, that are of service to the community and the earth. How necessary it is for monks

To receive this love note straight to your in-box, subscribe here (and also receive a free gift!) Following an Ancient Call What if we could listen like the great salmon who goes about its ordinary life when suddenly something shifts. It does not come as a thunderous revelation, but a quiet knowing you have been preparing all your life to trust. The path lived until now no longer satisfies but the path ahead seems thousands of miles long, and your womb is heavy. There is no refusing this ancient call, and to know ourselves as not alone, but part of

To receive this love note straight to your in-box, subscribe here (and also receive a free gift!) Dearest monks and artists, I have been engaged in much reflection and wonderful conversation with the Wisdom Council while I take my summer break from teaching.  Did you see the video last week of the Catholic bishops gathered in Brazil with the Pope dancing freely?  It was very inspiring, especially in light of what I have been pondering this summer. I have long wanted to articulate more clearly what this community is about, and so this week I bring you the Holy Disorder of