We look for the Holy in special places. We look for the sacred in places and and practices where we have found the sacred before, or where other people have found the sacred. We visit places of spiritual depth. We try to relive the things that brought us a sense of closeness to the Holy […]
Finding the Sacred in the Everyday Read More »
My favorite prayer in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer is part of the final service of the day before going to sleep. The prayer is: Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give
Working, Watching & Weeping Read More »
You might be a little surprised to learn there is a Mrs. Strategic Monk, since monks are not usually in the habit of getting married (pun intended). Greg and I first met years ago, and were married before he became an Oblate at New Camaldoli or the Strategic Monk. I was eager to write this
Guest Post: What is it Like Being Married to a Strategic Monk? Read More »
I was talking with someone last week about going to church. They told me that, while they appreciated the beauty of the liturgy and worship at their church, they often walked out of the service feeling tired. They asked me, “Why do they always use so many words?” Our lives are filled with words. Words
Why Do They Use So Many Words? Read More »
The Huntington Library has asked me not to hold quarterly Reflection Days on their grounds. I had worked out the arrangements and scheduled dates with them before I began inviting people to participate. They decided that, while they had seen the Reflection Days as group visits, they now view them as events which must be
Reflections on Reflection Days Read More »
Each of us is on a voyage of discovery. Each of us is sailing into uncharted waters, seeking a destination which often feels uncertain. We face challenges and obstacles, and are at the mercy of the winds and the waves. Even more daunting is that we are each making our way alone. We start from
Voyage of Discovery Read More »
The best article of clothing I own right now is a sweatshirt. I do not remember how many years we have shared. The ends of the sleeves, the collar, and the bottom of the shirt are all fraying. My shirt was once black, but is now quite faded. We have a close relationship, which has included
I was not very reflective by nature. I am an extrovert, more interested in talking to people than in reflecting. People fascinate me. I love irony, and I love words. My mind gets caught up in weighing all the aspects of a situation to resolve the issues and conflicts. There was so much to think
Appreciating My Own Reflection Read More »
I spend my life supported and shaped by spiritual community. It has grown and changed, as I have, and has been with me as long as I can remember. My spiritual community has taught me a great deal. It has given me precious gifts, including opportunities to struggle and work my way through my own
Community of Spirit Read More »
More and more, I need to listen before I know what to say. Sometimes I am listening to other people, to myself, to the world around me, or to silence. Being open to receiving is a prerequisite to being open to share. A friend of mine told me that I am practicing to be an
