I’m continuing my COVID supplement to The Book of Waking Up. If you’d like to support this project, signup for my Substack.

16. Unintentional Monks, Part 2

Yesterday, I shared a bit of a transition to a new waking practice. I’ve adopted a more formulated Rule of Life, a sort of monastic rhythm to the domestic lock-in of this pandemic. I’ve practiced bits and pieces of this rhythm for years, but never have I had to be so intentional.

What am I finding as I work this new Rule of Life, particularly with Amber? I’m waking even more to the coping mechanisms, habits, and hidden addictions of my life. (Carbs and SciFi and Twitter—Oh my!) I’m finding, too, that this Rule of Life makes me more aware of the moment-by-moment presence of Divine Love, even as I’m falling into old numbing patterns.

Today, though, I’ll draw this series to a close. I’ll have more things to say about living into the Benedictine Rule of Life, though it may be months (perhaps years) from now. I need some space, a little time to practice this sort of domestic monasticism. Until then, revisit yesterday’s post about my Rule of Life. Formulate your own. Invite your partner, your children into it. See if it doesn’t bring stability, mental clarity, and the fuel you need to make it through this pandemic wide awake.

The End (of the Pandemic Supplement to Waking)

If you haven’t grabbed a copy of The Book of Waking Up: Experiencing the Divine Love that Reorders a Life, grab a copy. And yes, Amazon has slowed down book shipments, so considering purchasing it from Bookish, Fort Smith, or grabbing a digital copy for Kindle or Nook.