What this Secular Monasticism is not.
This is not a belief system. The practice will not dictate a religion (or lack thereof), a world-view, or paradigm to guide you. It may reinforce your existing beliefs, it may add depth to your perspectives, it may lead you to reconsider some longstanding ideas. It may not. It is not designed to challenge your perspectives.
This is not a set of Laws, Dictums, and Creeds. It neither requires celibacy nor abstinence, although you may find that your inclination towards certain activities shift.
Though the practice of Secular Monasticism may lead you to develop routines and may, in turn, lead you to personal guideposts for your decisions, it is not meant to be an inflexible set of rules that limit your actions.
This is not a method of peaceful retreat, ignorance, and avoidance.
What this Secular Monasticism is.
This approach to monasticism is highly individualized, and each monk will shape their own monastic experience. Simply put, it may help you simplify, rarify, and clarify your experience of the world so that you can act more individually, deliberately, and effectively. It is designed to work with you whether you are solitary, or living with others, whether you are in an urban, or rural setting. It shouldn’t cost a thing, either, but requires change, thoughtfulness, and patience.
Although this Secular Monasticism considers and values the experience and lessons of other monastic cultures, it does not beacon one specifically to spirituality, although neither does it rule it out, if that is your way.
Why write, “This” Secular Monasticism?
There are other forms of Secular Monasticism. One example is that of the Lindisfarne Community, another is the ‘New Monasticism,’ both of which are rooted deeply in the Christian tradition. These use the word Secular to mean of the Lay people in their Faith, accessible to those congregants who are not Clergy, or those living outside the Church grounds.
When I use the word, ‘Secular’ here, I mean entirely outside of the church body and faith. You need not be religious or spiritual to practice this Secular Monasticism. The practice can be applied with many world views, from Atheism to profound faith.