I am finally at the Monastery. I started reading The Sunlilies, by Graham Pardun upon arrival. The perfect book to begin my stay here. Once I am better settled into the monastic rhythm, more regular posts will follow.
Mrs. S- Thank you. It is good to have you here. I am still getting attuned to the monastic way of life. Hopefully, there will be some new posts fairly soon. There is much to meditate on. I hope you are well. -Jack
Graham- I liked your book very much. We need more reflection along these lines. Pointing out the depths of our meta-crisis is absolutely necessary. But the problem is so large it can be overwhelming. It is time for simplicity and connection.
I was encouraged by your recommended reading list. It wasn't a bibliography of theological tomes. Instead it was natural gardening and cob building. Work and prayer, as the Benedictines say. It is time to build something new/old.
Thanks so much, Jack. Yes -- you know, I was very inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka, who is on the reading list. He farmed for fifty years in Japan, and then said a few simple, needful, clear, poetic words about how to grow plants in what I'd call a Sabbath way. He saw no need to dissect the deep origins of nature-killing agriculture -- only the need to re-connect with the Earth in a simple, tangible, yet profound relationship.
Graham- I came across Fukuoka's book, "The Road to Back to Nature" years ago when I practiced Aikido. It seemed relevant to the practice of the original harmony, or the Sabbath way. It still does. I have long been stumped on how to put Fukuoka's ideas into practice. How are you doing with it? -Jack
Greetings, Mrs S! Thanks for your kind words about the book & the suggestion. Part of the experience of the book is as a physical object -- the 5x7 trim size, the weight of the paper, etc -- it's lovely to hold, if I do say so myself! So, I'd rather people hold the book and touch the pages, than read it on a screen. I'd certainly love to send some more copies across the sea & if it's shipping costs that are the thing, I'm sure we can figure something out -- just fill out the contact form at TreeDweller.net and let me know what you're thinking...
What can I say but thank you from the bottom of my heart for the book. I stayed up half the night reading it slowly (I've only read the first third!) and within the first paragraph I just knew I was on the right path (I am new to Christianity, let alone Orthodoxy).
It's beautifully written, but also accessible and understandable for someone like me, who, like Mr Kingsnorth, rather appears to have arrived here by accident, without realising it!
Whether God found me or vice versa, it's just great to be here.
I woke up this morning with the monastery socked in by fog. Or so I thought. The Abbot told me it wasn't fog, but the clouds. Things are different here...
Peter- We just finished Vespers. It was a beautiful day. I took a walk this morning along the small creek here. Did some work moving mattresses around from building to building to building. I even took a solid nap this afternoon which still has me feeling pleasantly groggy.
The gospel reading for Matins this morning was Mt. 6:24-34. This seems like an excellent place to begin. An overall theme for my stay.
Nanda - It is peaceful here. The quiet is very compelling. No, not permanent at this point. I am intending to let go of making plans for a little while. Maybe that way things will be made clearer. I hope you are well. -Jack
I'm so glad i found your substack.
There's such a beauty and honesty about your writing.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
Mrs. S- Thank you. It is good to have you here. I am still getting attuned to the monastic way of life. Hopefully, there will be some new posts fairly soon. There is much to meditate on. I hope you are well. -Jack
God bless you with Sabbath rest, brother!
Graham- I liked your book very much. We need more reflection along these lines. Pointing out the depths of our meta-crisis is absolutely necessary. But the problem is so large it can be overwhelming. It is time for simplicity and connection.
I was encouraged by your recommended reading list. It wasn't a bibliography of theological tomes. Instead it was natural gardening and cob building. Work and prayer, as the Benedictines say. It is time to build something new/old.
I hope you are well. -Jack
Thanks so much, Jack. Yes -- you know, I was very inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka, who is on the reading list. He farmed for fifty years in Japan, and then said a few simple, needful, clear, poetic words about how to grow plants in what I'd call a Sabbath way. He saw no need to dissect the deep origins of nature-killing agriculture -- only the need to re-connect with the Earth in a simple, tangible, yet profound relationship.
Graham- I came across Fukuoka's book, "The Road to Back to Nature" years ago when I practiced Aikido. It seemed relevant to the practice of the original harmony, or the Sabbath way. It still does. I have long been stumped on how to put Fukuoka's ideas into practice. How are you doing with it? -Jack
Hello Graham
please consider putting excerpts from Sunlillies here on substack.
There are people all around the world who would love to read it (like me, in the UK), and would subscribe.
This is the way to spread your writing. We are thirsting for it.
Greetings, Mrs S! Thanks for your kind words about the book & the suggestion. Part of the experience of the book is as a physical object -- the 5x7 trim size, the weight of the paper, etc -- it's lovely to hold, if I do say so myself! So, I'd rather people hold the book and touch the pages, than read it on a screen. I'd certainly love to send some more copies across the sea & if it's shipping costs that are the thing, I'm sure we can figure something out -- just fill out the contact form at TreeDweller.net and let me know what you're thinking...
Graham
What can I say but thank you from the bottom of my heart for the book. I stayed up half the night reading it slowly (I've only read the first third!) and within the first paragraph I just knew I was on the right path (I am new to Christianity, let alone Orthodoxy).
It's beautifully written, but also accessible and understandable for someone like me, who, like Mr Kingsnorth, rather appears to have arrived here by accident, without realising it!
Whether God found me or vice versa, it's just great to be here.
Best wishes
Andrew
Andrew,
You're so welcome -- what a delight it is to hear that the book means something to you.
God bless you on your path, brother!
peace,
-g
I can certainly understand that. I adore physical books. My house is full of them.
Thanks for your kind offer re shipping costs. I will contact you.
God bless.
Looking forward to hearing about it, if it can be put into words....
I woke up this morning with the monastery socked in by fog. Or so I thought. The Abbot told me it wasn't fog, but the clouds. Things are different here...
“…monastic rhythm…”
That is a soothing expression if there ever was one. I hope your time is fruitful and peaceful, Jack, and I look forward to your reflections.
Peter- We just finished Vespers. It was a beautiful day. I took a walk this morning along the small creek here. Did some work moving mattresses around from building to building to building. I even took a solid nap this afternoon which still has me feeling pleasantly groggy.
The gospel reading for Matins this morning was Mt. 6:24-34. This seems like an excellent place to begin. An overall theme for my stay.
I hope you are well. -Jack
Thank you Jack! The trip was wonderful--absolutely beautiful!
Praying for you. May you find peace and experience the love of God.
Thank you. I am and will be praying for you and your family. I hope your trip went well.
Very glad to hear this, Jack. You sound happy and peaceful. Is this already permanent?
Nanda - It is peaceful here. The quiet is very compelling. No, not permanent at this point. I am intending to let go of making plans for a little while. Maybe that way things will be made clearer. I hope you are well. -Jack