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Wayne Stiles's avatar

I love this, Joel. I confess, as I've traveled the biblical world and seen many monasteries that dot the map, I've wondered how "great" it would be to live a life devoted to contemplation, study, prayer, and solitude. Thanks for reminding me that life as a monk is still just life.

We all have our own callings, and therefore, our own distractions. The mind is the minefield of each of us—as well as its solution. The renewal of the mind is a continual, biblical command for good reason. The mind grows weeds wherever we are.

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Joel J Miller's avatar

Amen, Wayne. I think that’s spot on. We are all called to particular times and settings; it’s our job to be faithful whatever that is.

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John E. Dobbs's avatar

Fascinating! Thanks for adding to my TBR list...again.🧐

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Joel J Miller's avatar

You’re welcome. My pleasure!

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Erin Marie Miller's avatar

Omigosh, thank you sooo much for writing this! I've been meditating a lot more lately, out of necessity and a need for stillness, and lamenting the lack of Western reading material on meditation. I read a lot about Zen, which I always appreciate, but the material on Christian monks' meditation practices is surprisingly sparse and I've been wondering so much about this topic lately. So excited to buy and read this book! Thank you!!

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