Feast of St. Francis and the Holy Fool ~ A love note from your online abbess
St. Francis at the Corner Pub Approaching the door, you can already hear his generous laughter. He stands on the bar upside down for a moment to get a new perspective on things, a flash of polka-dotted boxers as his brown robe cascades over his head, sandaled toes wiggling in the air in time with […]
Autumn Equinox and the Feast of Michaelmas ~ A love note from your online abbess
Dearest monks and artists, Included in your love note today is a short excerpt from our current Sacred Seasons mini-retreat for the Autumn Equinox and the Feast of Michaelmas (register here to receive materials all year long to celebrate the turning of the seasons) written by your online Prior John Valters Paintner: “Do not fear, Daniel,” the Archangel […]
Monk in the World Guest Post: Christine S. Davis
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Christine Davis’ reflection “Losing the Weight.” Weighted down by worries, work, and weariness, I struggle to release the anxious thoughts, monsters in my mind, problems building and consequences looming. Sick dog still, a daily trial […]
Monk in the World Guest Post: Florence Heyhoe
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Florence Heyhoe’s reflection on contemplation and trauma. contemplation the silence fell into me as the sun went down and held me in expectant quiet in your presence and in your absence. tripping and tumbling and […]
The Unraveling Toward Love ~ A love note from your online abbess
Dearest monks and artists, We live in an era of unraveling: wars, financial breakdown, gun violence, unemployment, mass migration, racial discrimination, gender inequality, poverty rising, and the poisoning of our ecosystems. Even as I write this litany, I am sure I have forgotten others, and certainly there are the smaller issues of daily life wherever […]
Monk in the World Guest Post: Bridgette Goldstein
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Bridgette Goldstein’s reflection “Stillpoint & My Sacred Story.” As a spiritual director, it is my gift to spend time with fellow souls on their journey of life. Sometimes, it will be a moving forward with […]
Monk in the World Guest Post: Polly Burns
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series. This is from Polly Burns, the newest member of our Wisdom Council. When Christine asked me to introduce myself through this post, it was hard to know where to start. If you are a regular at the Abbey of […]