Monastic Strategies

Monasteries tend to be quiet places. Some monasteries are quiet because people go there to be silent. Not talking, being quiet, is part of the experience, part of the attraction, of being there. People visit monastic communities to drink from their deep pools of Sacred refreshment. Some visitors sit in libraries, reading or writing. Other […]

I know people who go to the same place and do the same tasks every day. Not me. It is a challenge for me to do the same work day after day for very long. It is easy for me to start feeling stuck and begin looking for something new. My personality and perspective have combined

Even as a child I made New Year’s resolutions. Each year I committed myself to meet goals and follow plans for the coming year. My resolutions were not necessarily the most effective ways for me to learn, grow, or change my behavior. The resolutions I chose were grounded in my deep belief I could put my values into practice.

Several things I have read recently imply The time for reflection is over, now is the time for action! People describe our situation as a conflict between contemplation and decisive action. They believe we are at a point in history that demands impatience. Personally, I do not see practicing reflection and practicing activism as opposite paths. Separating

We do not generally see monks as explorers. We think of monks as people who stay in the same place, separate from the world. Monks commit themselves to remain at their monasteries and follow a rule. We think of monks as stable members of monastic communities. They do not go off on expeditions to explore distant places.

Night can be the most challenging part of the monastic day. Monastic days are organized to give monks time for their priorities. Time for reflection and prayer, time for physical work and reading. Each day includes time for meals, personal hygiene, and rest. Monastic time is intended to reduce distractions and allow monks to pay

We all want to change the world, in one way or another. Some of us want to reform the economic system or the justice system. Some people are motivated to clean up the environment or help others. Some of us want to solve grand, worldwide problems. Others focus on their own families. We all see something

Many of us view monks as role models of calm and mindful assurance. If we have met monks, we might marvel at their peaceful, unflappable openness. Most people who visit monasteries have an expectation of quiet, even silent, composure. We often assume monks have found answers which satisfy them on their quests. We perceive monks as holding