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.