Monasticism has roots in many cultures, and the unifying idea behind these is that through some solitary, contemplative process, an individual can seek meaning more effectively.
Seeking is an important concept in monasticism, as the Monk’s way is a journey, not a destination. Today our experience is often one of saturation. The poem by Wordsworth, The World is Too Much With Us, states clearly the price of the age of commerce and industry, however now, not only are we deep into the getting and spending, but are also swimming through competitive forms of attention-grabbing media, which makes focusing on important things that we can actually achieve a substantial challenge. So much of what we routinely experience is a meta-reality, a digital glaze over the things that impact us directly. I conceived Secular Monasticism as a way to manage life in these times. Not to get away or escape, although there must be deliberate filtering, but a more effective way to live a real and meaningful life amongst the noise.
I glean wisdom from Ancient and Modern monastic traditions around the globe to help me function productively and more peacefully in this chaotic world. My approach is pragmatic, without the unseen, the mystical, and spiritual, and it is quite achievable. I hope to share these ideas with you; it’s a part of my effort to share good things in the world.