A Monk in the World
One of the ways we become intimate with the fire in our lives is to explore our passions, our deepest desires, the commitments which make our hearts burn with love. The mystics across traditions describe God as the spark or flame dwelling in each of our hearts, the source of infinite compassion. When we live […]
Monk in World Guest Post: Kirsten Keppel
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Kirsten Keppel’s reflection on living the Liturgy of the Hours. I find that living the Liturgy of the Hours through short yet consistent practices of paring and pruning, offering hospitality, and praying […]
Announcing the Map of the Dancing Monks
As a virtual monastery, our community reaches around the globe. As of November 2025, over 1700 people have affirmed the Monk Manifesto to join the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks, committing to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life. We love how our virtual format allows dancing monks around the world to stand in solidarity […]
A Book of Everyday Blessings: 100 Prayers for Dancing Monks, Artists, and Pilgrims
Pre-Order Now Community Events Book Launch and Celebration ~ Monday, February 9, 2026 Description Purchase Options When you purchase books through the links to Bookshop.org or Amazon.com, Abbey of the Arts is provided with a very small percentage of your purchase price at no extra cost to you. We apply these funds toward scholarships for […]
Map of the Dancing Monks
Join the Map of Dancing Monks Our community reaches around the globe. We invite you to participate, connect, and be part of our Abbey. Join Now View Map As a virtual monastery, our community reaches around the globe. As of November 2025, over 1700 people have affirmed the Monk Manifesto to join the Holy Disorder […]
Way of the Monk, Path of the Artist
Jan 12, 2026 – Apr 5, 2026 @ 3:30 pm GMT – 4:30 pm IST –
with Christine Valters Paintner and guest teachers
Our retreat 12 week companion retreat to the book The Artist’s Rule will explore where the paths of the monk and artist meet. Drawing on monastic spirituality from the wisdom of desert, Celtic, and Benedictine traditions, we will explore together contemplative practices that support and encourage the flowering of our creative visions.
Sabbath as a Way of Being in the World ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess
Dearest dancing monks, artists, and pilgrims, Tomorrow Simon and I will be joined by guest musician Will Boesl for our monthly Contemplative Prayer Service. Our theme this month is the 6th principle of the Monk Manifesto, Sabbath. Here is an excerpt from our Monk in the World self-study retreat. Principle 6: I commit to rhythms of rest and renewal through the regular […]