Monk in the World Guest Post: Richard Bruxvoort Colligan
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Richard Bruxvoort Colligan’s reflection on a St. Francis Life. Lord, Make Me… You Franciscans out there will likely complete that sentence “…an instrument (or a channel) of your peace.” If you’re hungry, you might finish the sentence […]
Do you have the soul of a pilgrim? ~ A love note from your online abbess
Dearest monks and artists, Two years ago I published my book The Soul of a Pilgrim which developed out of my own lifelong love of journeying. My father worked for the United Nations when I was a child and we had the privilege of traveling back to Austria where he was from, as well as other […]
Monk in the World Guest Post: The Rev. Mary Anne Dorner
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Rev. Mary Anne Dorner’s reflection, Spiritual Strength Training. For years, my primary way of exercising was walking outdoors in the beauty of nature. Then I read Christine Valters Paintner’s book Eyes of the Heart: Photography as […]
Join us on Pilgrimage or Retreat in 2018! ~ A love note from your online abbess
How to Be a Pilgrim Air travel is like ancient pilgrims walking on their knees, flight delays and narrow seats offer their own kind of penance. You jettison excess baggage, leaving behind the heavy makeup case, knowing the rain will wash you free of artifice. Books you wanted to carry left too, no more outside […]
Monk in the World Guest Post: Melissa Layer
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Melissa Layer’s reflection on finding the healing presence of God among the pines. Praised be you, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom You give us […]
Celebrate the Celtic Feast of Beltane ~ A love note from your online abbess
This is how to feel the sap rising Walk as slowly as possible, all the while imagining yourself moving through pools of honey and dancing with snails, turtles, and caterpillars. Turn your body in a clockwise direction to inspire your dreams to flow upward. Imagine the trees are your own wise ancestors offering their emerald […]
A Different Kind of Fast: Part Six – Embrace Organic Unfolding
Dearest monks and artists, It was said of Abba Agathon that for three years he lived with a stone in his mouth, until he had learnt to keep silence. (Agathon 15) The silence of the desert elders is called hesychia, which means stillness, silence, inner quiet. However, it is much deeper than just an external quiet. A […]