Monk Manifesto

I signed the Monk Manifesto, and am now a "Monk in the World."

1. I commit to finding moments each day for silence and solitude, to make space for another voice to be heard, and to resist a culture of noise and constant stimulation.

2. I commit to radical acts of hospitality by welcoming the stranger both without and within. I recognize that when I make space inside my heart for the unclaimed parts of myself, I cultivate compassion and the ability to accept those places in others.

3. I commit to cultivating community by finding kindred spirits along the path, soul friends with whom I can share my deepest longings, and mentors who can offer guidance and wisdom for the journey.

4. I commit to cultivating awareness of my kinship with creation and a healthy asceticism by discerning my use of energy and things, letting go of what does not help nature to flourish.

5. I commit to bringing myself fully present to the work I do, whether paid or unpaid, holding a heart of gratitude for the ability to express my gifts in the world in meaningful ways.

6. I commit to rhythms of rest and renewal through the regular practice of Sabbath and resist a culture of busyness that measures my worth by what I do.

7. I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations.

A Monk in the World

All beings
are words of God,
His music, His art.

Sacred books we are, for the infinite camps
in our
souls.

Every act reveals God and expands His being.
I know that may be hard
to comprehend.

All creatures are doing their best
to help God in His birth
of Himself.

Enough talk for the night.
He is laboring in me;

I need to be silent
for a while,
worlds are forming
in my heart.

-Meister Eckhart

Several years ago I took a first step on a new journey in my faith life, by becoming an Associate of the Order of Holy Cross.  OHC is a Benedictine monastic order, and more importantly for me, a community of accountability which helped me to cultivate growth in my Christian walk.  The contemplative discipline has always appealed to me, and while I still practice some of the Benedictine Rule, I no longer am a member of the Order of Holy Cross.  

Holy Cross served to fill a need in my life at a specific time.  At one time, I even considered joining the order as a novice!  Later, however, I felt that I had sort of "outgrown" that particular community.  But the disciplines that I learned during my time with Holy Cross continue to fill that need, that hunger for a more contemplative life.  However, without the accountability of the community, I find it a bit more difficult to stay "afloat."  

Abbey of the Arts is an online monastic community, created by one who, like myself, is a Christian living in the world who seeks to follow a contemplative path in her life.  Although I have not yet explored it the Abbey seems to provide a community, but no walls, accountability, but no pressure (if that makes any sense).  

I think I may give it a try.