(Not quite a) Monk in the World guest post: Carl McColman
We continue our Monk in the World series of guest posts with a reflection from Carl McColman. Carl has written some beautiful books about mysticism, introducing lay people to the term and inviting them to embrace its gifts for their own lives. I am pleased to welcome his (somewhat contrary) voice into this space: Living in […]
“Lovingly Fitted” (a love note from your online Abbess)
To receive this love note straight to your in-box, subscribe here (and also receive a free gift!) King Solomon made himself an enclosed litter of wood from Lebanon. He made its columns of silver, its roof of gold, Its seat of purple cloth, its interior lovingly fitted. —Song of Songs 3:9-10 Dearest monks and artists, […]
Monk in the World guest post: Tara Owens
This summer I invited the 12 members of the Wisdom Council to each write a reflection on being a monk in the world. They were so well-received by the Abbey community, I decided to continue the series this fall by asking some fellow authors and bloggers I know to also write about living contemplatively in daily life. I […]
Invitation to Photography: Call to Newness
Welcome to this month’s Abbey Photo Party! I select a theme and invite you to respond with images. We began this month with a Community Lectio Divina practice (stop by to read the beautiful responses). As I prayed with the Isaiah text, this phrase kept shimmering for me: See, the former things have come to pass, […]
Exile and Belonging (a love note from your online Abbess)
Dearest monks and artists, This coming Tuesday represents two significant relationships in my life. September 3rd is my mother’s birthday, she would have been 71 and it is also my 19th wedding anniversary with my beloved, and your online Prior, John. My mother’s death 10 years ago was unexpected and wrenching. I was blessed to be by […]
Community Lectio Divina: Isaiah 42:6-10
With autumn we return to a fuller rhythm here at the Abbey blog after the quieter time of summer. I know many of you will welcome the Poetry and Photo Parties back. In addition, we are adding in an invitation to practice lectio divina as a community and there will also be a Dance Party at the […]
Wisdom Council: Guest Post from Betsey Beckman
This week brings us to our final guest post from Wisdom Council members! And a wonderful way to finish is with my dear friend and teaching partner Betsey Beckman. Betsey and I met soon after I moved to Seattle over ten years ago. We discovered we made a beautiful partnership in bringing the gifts of the arts […]