August 31 is the feast day of Saint Aidan, a Celtic missionary monk who journeyed from the island monastery of Iona to establish the island monastery of Lindisfarne. It is also the day on which I was received as an oblate at the Benedictine New Camaldoli Monastery and Hermitage near Big Sur, California. It takes […]
The Long and Winding Road to New Camaldoli; or, Finding My Way Read More »
We have come to associate good hospitality with pampering the most demanding hotel guests. Hospitality makes us think of expensive places to stay and distract ourselves with every conceivable convenience. Hospitality is an industry; people earn college degrees in hospitality management. The cultural roots of our understanding of hospitality go far deeper, though, than king-size
My House is Your House Read More »
People tell me that I am a good listener. I think what they mean is that I pay attention, I try not to get distracted. I have had people tell me that I am the only person who ever listens to them. Some people think that “listening” is waiting for the person who is talking
Listening Carefully Read More »
Why is it so challenging to be both meaningful and effective at the same time? Why do some people think it is impossible to both commit your life to something about which you are passionate and make a practical difference, to “do good and do well?” Can I be both strategic and monastic at the same
Making a Difference or Making a Living? Read More »
There is something about stories; something primal, something essential. Stories attract our attention; we are able to enter into them, and remember them. We often do not remember lectures, or sermons, or arguments. Children want someone to tell them a story, they do not want someone to lecture them. We do not master stories; they
Tell Me Your Story Read More »
Benedict was born around 480 in central Italy and educated in Rome. He disapproved of the manners and morals of Rome, which was in a period of political instability and societal breakdown. Benedict chose a life of monastic seclusion and contemplation. He was invited to lead several different monastic communities, and composed his monastic rule
Benedict in the Boardroom Read More »
Approaching God by Lisa Borden is not a collection of intricately constructed theological arguments, nor a book of cosmic metaphysical concepts. On pages filled with color and poetry, Lisa gives us deep truths about approaching God that are based in the most important relationships of her life. These relationships give us valuable insights into how
Book Review: Approaching God Read More »
A few weeks ago I noticed that at least one person had viewed one of my posts after searching “reflexion.” This gave me mixed feelings. For example, I was glad that they found and read what I wrote. I appreciate any avenue that leads anyone to meet me and check out what I think. At
A few days ago, I was talking with a friend about my enthusiasm for my iPad, which I have described in an earlier post. This friend is also a convert to the Apple way of life, and was eager to show me even more apps that I might have missed so far. It was the
Is an Angry Bird in the Hand Really Worth Two in the Bush? Read More »
What is there to say about silence? What can words add that silence does not already contain? For God alone my soul waits in silence Psalm 62 There is something very powerful about silence. For an extrovert, silence is often experienced as an opportunity to talk, to influence, to share. Silence can be intimidating;
