Rule of Life
The monk’s vocation, if you will, is to challenge the prediction that you will never know your true self and that you always will be separate from your Source. Monasticism – making a covenant, living a rule of life – is radical. It reminds us over and over again that this world is both a veil obscuring and a window into the realm of the holy. For this reason, monastic life requires audacity and courage, and the full surrender of one’s heart. It is a way of being that seeks the triumph of freedom.
If the covenant is the means by which we live out our love of the divine, the monastic rule assists us on the journey. Monastic rules are described as codes of conduct, ideals, or standards of behavior to ensure the stability of the community.
Members of A Way of Being New Monastic Community will commit to the following prayer disciplines
and ways of being and living:
If the covenant is the means by which we live out our love of the divine, the monastic rule assists us on the journey. Monastic rules are described as codes of conduct, ideals, or standards of behavior to ensure the stability of the community.
Members of A Way of Being New Monastic Community will commit to the following prayer disciplines
and ways of being and living:
A new monastic rhythm of life:
Associate New Monastic: those who have made the covenant to the way of life and to the new monastic community and who are relatively new in their contemplative and structured prayer practices.
Apprentice New Monastic: a noticeable shift has happened within; choices are made to move one’s life into deeper silence, solitude and simplicity; contemplation becomes more natural and comfortable; an inner peace is felt. Movement from Associate into Apprentice is discerned by the new monastic and the community.
Fully Initiated New Monastic: the movement from Apprentice to Fully Initiated happens TO the new monastic, not by the new monastic. The experience of regular contemplative practices, silence and solitude draw the new monastic into this deeper relationship with the Divine. This movement is felt more that seen, though still need be discerned by the community.
- Pray and meditate daily with sacred scripture and the writings of one’s tradition’s spiritual masters.
- Contemplate daily:
- Associate New Monastics commit to 1-20 minute contemplative sit every day
- Apprentice New Monastics commit to 2-20 minute contemplative sits every day, preferable in the morning and in the evening
- Fully Initiated New Monastics commit to at least 2-20 minutes contemplative sits every day, in the morning, in the evening and at least once during the day.
- Practice a form of mindfulness when possible during the day
- Designate one day a month dedicated to rest, reflection and contemplative prayer
- Take an annual retreat:
- Associate New Monastics commit to an annual weekend silent retreat
- Apprentice New Monastics commit to an annual 5-day silent retreat
- Fully Initiated New Monastics commit to an annual 10-day silent retreat
- Live in obedience and trust in the Divine’s guidance and will as discerned in the context of the new monastic community and rule of life.
- Study classical and contemporary writings on spiritual growth, including but not limited to the books recommended by the community.
- Regularly practice the Examen as a way of ensuring holistic growth and development.
- Meet with a spiritual director on a monthly basis.
- Meet regularly with the community leader to discuss progress, challenges and receive feedback as well as support, encouragement and resources to aid in living out one’s commitment.
- Meet monthly with community members to share, reflect and discern movements within the community.
- Practice works of mercy through ministry to those on the margins.
- When ready, commit to mentoring new members in the community.
- Perform some ministry in the community to support spiritual, emotional, physical or psychological health and well-being.
Associate New Monastic: those who have made the covenant to the way of life and to the new monastic community and who are relatively new in their contemplative and structured prayer practices.
Apprentice New Monastic: a noticeable shift has happened within; choices are made to move one’s life into deeper silence, solitude and simplicity; contemplation becomes more natural and comfortable; an inner peace is felt. Movement from Associate into Apprentice is discerned by the new monastic and the community.
Fully Initiated New Monastic: the movement from Apprentice to Fully Initiated happens TO the new monastic, not by the new monastic. The experience of regular contemplative practices, silence and solitude draw the new monastic into this deeper relationship with the Divine. This movement is felt more that seen, though still need be discerned by the community.
