Monk in the World Guest Post: Natalie Gould

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Natalie Gould’s reflection Unchosen Habits. I’ve chosen monk-like paths. At twenty-four, I bought hiking boots and moved to the Isle of Mull in Scotland. I joyfully participated in work and worship with […]
Way of the Monk, Path of the Artist ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess
For Glimpses of Heaven Here and Now*Sacred Source of Joy,help us to see glimpsesof heaven all around us,in the urgency of each spring’s blooming,in the simple gifts of waterto bathe in and drink,in our morning tea or coffee,with steam rising like this prayer,in the dog’s pleading eyesor the warm embrace of a friend,in the food […]
Monk in the World Guest Post: Melissa Layer

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Wisdom Council member Melissa Layer‘s reflection on making nature mandalas. I became aware of how the extraordinary is exquisitely entangled within the everyday ordinary, and how I met Spirit there when I […]
A Blessing for Creativity ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess

A Blessing for Creativity*Spirit of Holy Imagination,we ask you to bless our visionwith the wisdom to see what is possible.Help us trust our desire to createthrough color, word, shape, gesture, and song.When our fingers trembleat picking up a pen or marker,connect us to the joy of playingon the white page,drawing, doodling, dabbling, dreaming,letting our livesbe […]
A Spirituality of Blessing: A 21-Day Self-Study Retreat

A 21-day self-study retreat led by Christine Valters Paintner and guest teachers to guide you through the spiritual practice of blessing.
Monk in the World Guest Post: Kathleen Deyer Bolduc

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Kathleen Deyer Bolduc’s reflection Light in the Darkness. One of my favorite scriptures—one that I repeat to myself often—is from the book of John: “The light shines in the darkness, and the […]
Advent Invitations ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess

Dearest dancing monks, artists, and pilgrims, Today the sacred season of Advent begins! We stand at the threshold of a potent time when we are invited to move inward to listen to the Divine presence in a deeper way and then stand in the wonder of holy birthing for the Christmas season. Thresholds are powerful […]