monastery
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First day in the monastery: A multi-faith experience
Read article: First day in the monastery: A multi-faith experienceThe first day I entered the multi-faith monastery was one of the most memorable moments of my life. I was going to visit for the weekend with some friends. I had no idea that this is where I would end up taking my monastic vows and spending the next 11 years of my life.
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Praise and Criticism – A Story From The Monastery
Read article: Praise and Criticism – A Story From The MonasteryI’ll never forget the rather amusing altercation between two of the monks at the monastery one day involving buckets of water! Giving and receiving praise and criticism can play havoc with our emotions if it goes unchecked. Both Brother Matthew and Brother Simon (names changed for anonymity) had been engaged in an ego-game of criticising each other over an extended period of time. Looking back I can’t even remember what the issue was – it was that insignificant and petty. However, as sometimes happens to most of us in these situations, the constant niggling and snide remarks can build up…
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First Days Outside the Monastery #1 – Doubts
Read article: First Days Outside the Monastery #1 – DoubtsI’ll always remember what the woman behind the ticket counter at Carmarthen train station said to me the day I left Skandavale monastery. It had been one of the biggest decisions of my life to leave. Of course after 11 years of commitment there were some doubts about whether or not I was doing the right thing. But the decision was made and it was already impossible to take back my actions .