Over the last 6 months, I've been following Abby of the Arts in hopes of becoming more in step with their practices described as the "Monk Manifesto". While I don't always (or even often) seem to get the steps right, my heart is always uplifted when I stop by for a visit. These practices, first introduced to me in Christine Valters Painter's book, "The Artist's Rule" resound within me and shout,"This is lifegiving!". But, somehow, I continue to struggle, juggle and fret - when I walk away from this gentle, growing, faith.
Maybe if we walk/dance together, I won't wander away so easily?
Then again, each day - "Always we begin again."
Shalom -
Tara
The following material is from the website: Abby of the Arts. Now all I need is a badge to put here on my blog to keep me (and others) tagged in on the Abby.
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Monk ManifestoWant to join me in starting a monk revolution?Let's spread a commitment to contemplation, creativity, and compassion far and wide!
For a PDF version of the Monk Manifesto click the link to download a printable file.
The Monk Manifesto is also available in both Spanish and German translations. Click here for a PDF of Manifiesto del Monje and Mönchs Manifest.
I invite you to. . .
- Sign the Monk Manifesto below (scroll all the way to the bottom for the comment box). State your solidarity with others who want to express their inner monk in everyday life.
- Subscribe to the Abbey newsletter and receive the free 7-day e-course on becoming aMonk in the World.
- Watch the free visual meditation version.
- Share the monk love with others by sharing this page with others on Facebook or Twitter.
Monk: from the Greek monachos meaning single or solitary, a monk in the world does not live apart but immersed in the everyday with a single-hearted and undivided presence, always striving for greater wholeness and integrity
Manifesto: from the Latin for clear, means a public declaration of principles and intentions.
Monk Manifesto: A public expression of your commitment to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life.
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.
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