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I have of late gained a little interest in monastic spirituality. 

This encompasses in part New Monasticism, which has a focus on community to the extent of even living together and sharing possessions with others.  Louisa especially would like to be able share a home with both close friends and those who need some support.  In this vein, I am looking forward to hearing Shane Claiborne of The Simple Way speak at the coming UNOH conference.

But I am also interested in the spirituality of traditional monasticism - Monks, hermitages et al.  I must say that I have never liked the idea of cloistering ones self long term in order to “find communion with God” - I find this approach quite selfish.  However, the act of separating yourself at times to pray in solitude, and living in simplicity and authenticity has great appeal to me. 

A few months ago, I stumbled across the web page for a film titled “Into Great Silence“.  Shot over a period of a year, it is a rare glimpse into the lives of Carthusian monks at the highly ascetic and silent Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps.

I was pleasantly surprised to find this film playing at Cinema Nova in Melbourne this week, and was able to go along to see it.  The cinematography is amazing, and the film, while long and at times hard going (like life in the monastery) was fascinating.  These men seem truly content with their chosen life.

I’ve formed some ideas lately on ways to encompass some aspects of this spirituality into our lives;

• Silent nights - no TV, computers or electric lighting.  Maybe even nights where we don’t even talk.  Try this one with three young kids!
• I’d love to own or share a small cottage in the bush somewhere.  No electricity.  Just a fireplace and time to reflect and pray.
• Getting out into nature.  Recently I went back to Tassie for another three day walk into Pelion plains with a mate.  There is no phone coverage up there.
• Breaking bread before meals.  We try to do this as often as possible at home.  We turn off the lights, light a candle and share communion, taking time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us.  This brings some daily ritual into our busy lives.

I’d love to hear other ideas that people have..