End of Benedictine Experience 2012

Before I sum up the Benedictine Experience, I must first share with you "George's First 'Rule' of Monastic Living"... which is NEVER skip breakfast on Sunday.  I swear that is the true secret of happiness since breakfast this morning included scrambled eggs, thick-cut bacon, cheese grits and fresh fruit (along with the ever present monastic coffee).  It was simply incredible.

So today we end the Benedictine Experience 2012.  This is a frequently repeated program that differs somewhat from year to year.  A number of my companions on this journey have done this year after year (some for decades) and a few of the brothers date their interest in the monastic life to one of these retreats.

It's really just an immersion into the guest life at the monastery... attending all the services in the chapel, taking part in the "School of Prayer" discussions, learning about themes from the Rule of St. Benedict, Worshiping, Praying, Learning, Working and of course Eating (I guess there's some sleep in there as well).  I will be thankful for Doug's recommendation of "Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living" by John McQuiston II - this book paraphrases the Rule of St. Benedict as a way everyone can live a more balanced life.

As I've seen every Sunday, these last few hours are spent with people trying to drink in all the incredible spaces the monastery offers for reading, reflection & conversation.  Above are the quiet cloister which overlooks a huge tree, Pilgrim Hall which is sort of the monastery's "living room", and the guest library with it's incredible brick fireplace.

So finally after today's services, a last wrap up for BE2012, and of course the Sunday feast, we all leave and the Brothers have some much needed time to themselves.

This time, I dive right back into the real world... no leisurely drive and walk across the Hudson, etc.  I have to make it back in time for the end of an open house (trying to sell my home) and a friend's 60th birthday party.

Thanks for reading...