Many people think that to be a Pagan Monk requires big blocks of time set aside for prayer, chanting, and meditation. And while those things are a part of my practice, I've found that the most important part is integrating my spirituality into every aspect of my life.
For me, that means taking a few moments each morning and evening to center myself and connect with my deities. It means being mindful of my words and actions throughout the day, and taking time to reflect on how they might impact others. It means living with intention, and being grateful for the opportunities I have been given.
I know that not everyone has the same spiritual practice, but I hope that by sharing mine, I can provide some insight into what it means to be a Pagan Monk in today's world.
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A typical morning routine for me starts with my shower. Feeling clean and fresh is symbolic to my practice -- I come before my gods and goddesses as clean as I can. Then, I begin my morning prayers. As a rule, a ritual known as the Sphere of Protection (SOP) is performed before the prayers start. This is a shared practice within the members of my Order, Church & Monastery and serves to center and balance the energies we work with as well as our own energy. Each day of the week is dedicated to a specific deity. Although every day, all of the Shining Ones, Ancestors, and Nature Spirits are venerated, each morning the focus of the prayers are to one member of the pantheon. After breakfast, I like to spend some time outside if the weather is nice. Just a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine helps me feel connected to the natural world - something that is very important to me as a Pagan and Druid.
The rest of my day varies depending on what's going on, but I always make sure to take a few moments each evening to give thanks for the good things in my life. No matter how stressful or challenging the day might have been, there is always something to be grateful for. For me, this is an important part of winding down before bed and preparing for the next day ahead. I also make sure to incorporate some Lectio Divina, or sacred reading. The premise is to read a piece of a poem, article, or chapter of a book and identify what stands out the most. Then, there are various levels of meditation known as discursive meditation on that word or phrase and how it applies to my life and the greater level of existence we find ourselves in.
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Living spiritually doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's about being intentional in your thoughts, words, and actions - both big and small. If you're looking to incorporate more spirituality into your life, start by doing one thing each day with intention. Over time, you'll start to see how these little moments can add up to create big shifts in your life!
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