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 […]
A Different Kind of Fast: Part Five – Embrace Attention
Dearest monks and artists, It can be so tempting to think, that in our busy lives multitasking will somehow make us more efficient and productive. We bemoan not having more hours in the day, but the hours we do have our attention is scattered, always trying to keep up. We spread our gaze between so many demands […]
Monk in the World Guest Post: Peggy Acott
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Peggy Acott’s reflection on holding space. How do I live as a monk in the world? This reminded me of a recent writing prompt by Krista Tippett of On Being, that came to me by way […]