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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- I
commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and
transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts
and limitations.
- I
commit to being a dancing monk, cultivating creative joy and
letting my body and “heart overflow with the inexpressible delights of
love.”*
*quote is from the Prologue of the Rule of Benedict
Monk
Manifesto | Abbey of the Arts
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