I'M LIVING IN A MONASTERY: PRAYER ESSENTIAL
JULY 9-24, 2016
The two week follow-up was incredible. The lodging was in a separate building this time. Great for community. I had missed these students over the last year. Because the Colorado experience over lapped, I had to leave for 3 days, but longed to return. This is sacred ground and not to take lightly. We learned so very much and even had 3 days of art therapy. Just what I wanted. I can never thank God enough for allowing this experience and I will continue to return again and again. Selah
The two week follow-up was incredible. The lodging was in a separate building this time. Great for community. I had missed these students over the last year. Because the Colorado experience over lapped, I had to leave for 3 days, but longed to return. This is sacred ground and not to take lightly. We learned so very much and even had 3 days of art therapy. Just what I wanted. I can never thank God enough for allowing this experience and I will continue to return again and again. Selah
JULY 15, 2015
I WENT BACK TO THE MONASTERY: Life is full. I finished my month of learning, not without some play time (like eating Tootsie Roll Pops and painting with paper) On to the next step of learning about incorporating Spiritual Direction with the creative process. Many thanks to the presenters of June and now for three days in July. Such rich, loving, some powerful presentations. We will see where the process continues. Oh! and, in between: grieving losses, celebrating family, and hot road travel. And the monastery tables are installed at the farm. Selah.
I WENT BACK TO THE MONASTERY: Life is full. I finished my month of learning, not without some play time (like eating Tootsie Roll Pops and painting with paper) On to the next step of learning about incorporating Spiritual Direction with the creative process. Many thanks to the presenters of June and now for three days in July. Such rich, loving, some powerful presentations. We will see where the process continues. Oh! and, in between: grieving losses, celebrating family, and hot road travel. And the monastery tables are installed at the farm. Selah.
June 14, 2015
I've been here for two weeks!
I thought today was Fathers Day. My cards got sent late, so I'm grateful it is not. Sundays are our "off" days. After mass this morning we had a group meeting with Father A, the Superior. Some of the staff have left so there's a slight void. Life is full for everyone, and being in a monastic setting doesn't make anyone immune to human experience. I can't underscore enough the amazing group of people God gathered together to be in this school. After looking into many programs, the immersion of this school, in being in community for a month together, is such a rich experience. To be able and willing to be in this setting for month long school is such a blessing. I've ceased trying to make all the scheduled prayer services. I go to Lauds (like Morning Prayer) when I awake early enough to get there by 7. Mass is said every day at 7:30. I sorta make that daily. Then Breakfast, class, Noon prayers, dinner (lunch). The afternoons occasionally have a scheduled event at 2:30, but some days we are free to journal, read, absorb, exercise. I do some art now and again. Rosary is said at 4:30 daily. I've been once or twice. Vespers is at 5, then supper. Adoration from 6:30-7:00 (being present to the Elements) and then Compline at 7:15. Saturdays and Sundays don't include Adoration or Compline. Sunday Mass is at 9:30 am and many from the village come. Has full music, smells and bells, procession. All so familiar yet so different. There's a holy reverence that is palpable.
I've been here for two weeks!
I thought today was Fathers Day. My cards got sent late, so I'm grateful it is not. Sundays are our "off" days. After mass this morning we had a group meeting with Father A, the Superior. Some of the staff have left so there's a slight void. Life is full for everyone, and being in a monastic setting doesn't make anyone immune to human experience. I can't underscore enough the amazing group of people God gathered together to be in this school. After looking into many programs, the immersion of this school, in being in community for a month together, is such a rich experience. To be able and willing to be in this setting for month long school is such a blessing. I've ceased trying to make all the scheduled prayer services. I go to Lauds (like Morning Prayer) when I awake early enough to get there by 7. Mass is said every day at 7:30. I sorta make that daily. Then Breakfast, class, Noon prayers, dinner (lunch). The afternoons occasionally have a scheduled event at 2:30, but some days we are free to journal, read, absorb, exercise. I do some art now and again. Rosary is said at 4:30 daily. I've been once or twice. Vespers is at 5, then supper. Adoration from 6:30-7:00 (being present to the Elements) and then Compline at 7:15. Saturdays and Sundays don't include Adoration or Compline. Sunday Mass is at 9:30 am and many from the village come. Has full music, smells and bells, procession. All so familiar yet so different. There's a holy reverence that is palpable.
June 8, 2015
The Superior is great. Had a short meeting with him. He listens, he interacts. He cooks! I had just heard about my brother's father in law passing away today and he was compassionate. The people in class with me are so caring and interesting. From all over the country and B.C. My little room has become my hermitage. I cherish my time here in the dim dark, in the cool of a stucco building in the mountains.
Praying for rain is so necessary here. I miss my time at home, with J and the puppies. One of them got bitten by a snake Saturday at the farm. These distractions will not deter my devotion to this time to learn and experience the presence of God.
The Superior is great. Had a short meeting with him. He listens, he interacts. He cooks! I had just heard about my brother's father in law passing away today and he was compassionate. The people in class with me are so caring and interesting. From all over the country and B.C. My little room has become my hermitage. I cherish my time here in the dim dark, in the cool of a stucco building in the mountains.
Praying for rain is so necessary here. I miss my time at home, with J and the puppies. One of them got bitten by a snake Saturday at the farm. These distractions will not deter my devotion to this time to learn and experience the presence of God.
June 7, 2015
The experience of Benedictine rhythm of the hours is teaching me to focus more clearly on how I use my time. Aside from the obvious need to sense what time it is, and I without a watch, I am coming to a sense of connection while in communion with others worshipping at the same hour. Even as I write, I noticed activity in the hall of our lodging. Oops...yes it's time for praying the Rosary...missed that! I will go to Vespers at 5. We have Thursdays and Sundays off. The expectation is to still honor the hours, but with more free time. I had come to accept and covet my alone time at home in these last years, so sharing space during classes and services has been a test to my solitude.
I have located a Dollar General Store in the local village. I was surprised at the extent of the goods offered. I'm particularly drawn to the chest of ice cream like so many convenience stores. The dollar and sales isles satisfy my sense of needing some thrifting time. I found Crayola brand crayolas and added them to my art supplies. Thursday last week I set up shop in a conference room and tore and glued pieces of paper as I prayed and molded myself into the familiar, feeling a bit lost and anxious at being so detached from my living.
The outdoors is uhhhhmazing! The scenes and nooks and crannys full of God's creation and grace. Today I took a beach towel and lay in the meadow to reread Hinds Feet on High Places. Selah. Amen.
The experience of Benedictine rhythm of the hours is teaching me to focus more clearly on how I use my time. Aside from the obvious need to sense what time it is, and I without a watch, I am coming to a sense of connection while in communion with others worshipping at the same hour. Even as I write, I noticed activity in the hall of our lodging. Oops...yes it's time for praying the Rosary...missed that! I will go to Vespers at 5. We have Thursdays and Sundays off. The expectation is to still honor the hours, but with more free time. I had come to accept and covet my alone time at home in these last years, so sharing space during classes and services has been a test to my solitude.
I have located a Dollar General Store in the local village. I was surprised at the extent of the goods offered. I'm particularly drawn to the chest of ice cream like so many convenience stores. The dollar and sales isles satisfy my sense of needing some thrifting time. I found Crayola brand crayolas and added them to my art supplies. Thursday last week I set up shop in a conference room and tore and glued pieces of paper as I prayed and molded myself into the familiar, feeling a bit lost and anxious at being so detached from my living.
The outdoors is uhhhhmazing! The scenes and nooks and crannys full of God's creation and grace. Today I took a beach towel and lay in the meadow to reread Hinds Feet on High Places. Selah. Amen.
May 31, 2015
I'm not Maria, but I WAS late for the first Vespers. Learning about humility and adapting, I still decorated the room to suit my sensibilities. Some things are necessary for me to feel at home. The question may be: am I to feel at home or go with the sense of adventure and challenge when one is taken out of the comfort of familiarity?
I'm not Maria, but I WAS late for the first Vespers. Learning about humility and adapting, I still decorated the room to suit my sensibilities. Some things are necessary for me to feel at home. The question may be: am I to feel at home or go with the sense of adventure and challenge when one is taken out of the comfort of familiarity?
April 30, 2015
From a cozy kitchen at the farm to an amazing God-directed month in a Benedictine monastery. I'm a bit anxious but know this is right. It's my time, my moment to honor a call on my heart. Leaving behind those worldly worries that tie me down.
My family is AMAZING. Such support. It's wordless, how I feel about you all. My friends give me the courage and focus to pursue the call.
I will try to update the blog at least once a week. but if I don't, you will understand.
I treasure your prayers to keep me focused and present to the process.
From this experience I hope to hone being present to others in the creative process in a more meaningful way. The school is about Spiritual Direction, care of souls, walking along side, lovingly present, spiritually encouraging. Amen. Selah.
From a cozy kitchen at the farm to an amazing God-directed month in a Benedictine monastery. I'm a bit anxious but know this is right. It's my time, my moment to honor a call on my heart. Leaving behind those worldly worries that tie me down.
My family is AMAZING. Such support. It's wordless, how I feel about you all. My friends give me the courage and focus to pursue the call.
I will try to update the blog at least once a week. but if I don't, you will understand.
I treasure your prayers to keep me focused and present to the process.
From this experience I hope to hone being present to others in the creative process in a more meaningful way. The school is about Spiritual Direction, care of souls, walking along side, lovingly present, spiritually encouraging. Amen. Selah.
