Picture of me right before my first Christmas in the monastery:

My first Christmas in the monastery was one of the happiest of my life. Here's why:

I'd been living in the monastery for almost 9 months at this time. The regular rhythm of prayer, community, work, discipline, and letting go of things that held me down was liberating. I felt like light was radiating through me.

In preparation for Christmas, I spent 24 hours in silent prayer meditating on the mystery of God becoming a human being in the Middle East 2000 years ago. It was the most intentional preparation for Christmas I'd ever done. 

Way different than the hustle of shopping and planning. This experience yielded a deep stillness and silence within me. I felt an abiding joy dawning in the midst of this stillness and silence.

Lastly, my family was coming to visit the monastery for the first time and I was so happy to see them :)

I hope and pray that this season brings you abundant joy and hope with family and loved ones. 

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Put It Into Practice This Week

Christmas and the holidays can be filled with emotions – joy of being reunited, wonder in faith. But it also can bring sadness for missing loved ones, frustration or pain from damaged relationships, regret from the past. 

Remember that you only have a finite number of Christmas and holiday seasons. Make a commitment to yourself that you’ll give it your best to show up well for others. 

You got this :)

Wishing you abundant peace this week,

John

Full Monk Mindset Course ready for New Year 2025