Here’s an invitation for all of you “inner monks” dressed in Protestant clothing. One of my favorite bloggers, Christine Valters Paintner, has posted something called a “Monk Manifesto” at her site Abbey of the Arts. I share her invitation with you readers seeking to live more contemplatively in the world, in an intentional community with others like you.
Want to join me in starting a monk revolution?
Let’s spread a commitment to contemplation, creativity, and compassion far and wide!
State your solidarity with others who want to express their inner monk in their everyday lives by signing the Monk Manifesto below (scroll all the way to the bottom for the comment box).
- For a PDF version of the Monk Manifesto click the link to download a printable file
- Scroll down for a Monk Manifesto Button for your blog or website
- Read some intial reflections and musings about the Monk Manifesto at the Abbey blog
- Subscribe to the free 7-day e-course on becoming a Monk in the World.
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.
Eager to explore these principles more deeply?
Subscribe to the free 7-day e-course on becoming a Monk in the World.
Monk Manifesto Button
In addition to the printable PDF version of the Monk Manifesto, now you can also post a badge on your blog or website. Simply right-click and save the image and then posting an image with a clickable link to: http://abbeyofthearts.com/about/monk-manifesto/.
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