There are so many rich resources on the contemplative life available to us. Here at the Abbey we are going to start offering an occasional review of books we think are especially worth exploring, starting with The Wisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming an Ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart* by Cynthia Bourgeault. This review is written by long-time fellow monk in the world Edith O’Nuallain: This book, penned by a modern day mystic and internationally known writer and teacher, offers a clear and concise introduction to Wisdom teachings as they manifest across a variety of faith traditions.  Though its primary locus

If you have loved the dancing monk icon series, you can now order prints directly from artist Marcy Hall of Rabbit Room Arts. The prints are made by a local printer in the town of Erie on archival quality mat board, so your purchase supports the artist, a local printer, and half of the profits go to support the Earth Monastery Project. Will you choose Mary Mother of God, St. Benedict, St. Hildegard, St. Brigid, or maybe one of each? (Discounts when you buy 2 or all 4!) Prints are 6 inches wide x 10 inches high and are mounted on an

A deep bow of gratitude to everyone who participated in this year’s Give Me a Word!  We had almost 700 responses and it was so inspiring to read through the submissions. It is time for our prize drawing (although you are free to keep sharing your word for 2014 here)! I will include the name and the word below, just in case there are two people with the same name. Winners of a signed copy of Eyes of the Heart: Photography as Christian Contemplative Practice: Maribeth Clancy (Adventure), Meheret Fikre-Sellasie (Relationship), James McDonald (Present), Marie LoParco (At Home) Winners of a copy of Naked

The Abbey is so delighted to be offering an online retreat for men starting January 20th – Exile and Coming Home: Priest, Prophet, Politician, and Poet – An Online Journey for Men – facilitated by John Valters Paintner, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, Roy Deleon, and Michael Landron. John shares some insights and an invitation to join him: Greetings My Fellow Monks! A year and a half ago, I made a huge life change.  I gave up a full-time job teaching theology at a Catholic high school.  The main reason for leaving my teaching position was because the Hebrew Scriptures class I had

We are delighted to continue our practice of invitations into lectio divina, photography, poetry, and dance each month around a given theme. Join the Conversation: You are invited to join the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks Facebook page as a place to participate or in the comments below each blog post as they appear. Below is a look ahead at the weekly themes. All are welcome to participate. Winter-Spring 2014 Community Invitations January 5: Community Lectio Divina January 12: Invitation to Photography January 19: Invitation to Poetry January 26: Invitation to Dance February 2: Community Lectio Divina February 9: Invitation to

Amy Evans is the winner of a copy of Mary Sharratt’s novel about Hildegard of Bingen. Amy, please email me with your mailing address.

On Monday I shared Ken Peterson’s monk in the world guest post and there was a drawing included for a free copy of his new book Prayer as Night Falls: Experiencing Compline.  The lucky winner is Pacia Dixon!  Pacia, send me your snail mail and we will arrange for your copy to be sent out.