The word monastic literally means to live alone. I’m going to assume that for most of you, that’s not an option at this point. Living the monastic life in a suburban context is not without its challenges, but it is possible to live a life of beauty and simplicity that’s set apart from the culture-at-large.
1. See people as they are.
I’m by nature pretty judgmental and easily annoyed. It can be a real challenge to see people as people (the embodiment of a soul) and not strictly as things to be interacted with to achieve a desired result. To see people “as they are” acknowledges several things: People have rights, they have inherent dignity and worth, and all people are made in the image of God.
2. Practice the Presence.
It’s a simple sentence. A simple thought, but it takes a lifetime of dedication to this task. How does one practice the presence of God? To practice the presence of God is to deny self—to deny my agenda again and again. To wake up the next day and try again. That’s why it’s a practice.
3. Find God in your work.
Let’s “be real” for a moment. Being an adult and going to work day after day can really suck the life out of you. One of the things that I appreciate about the monastic tradition is the focus on dedicating all things to God—not just “worship” but doing even the necessary, menial tasks unto God.
4. Live in authentic community.
This is connected to Key #1. There are times that I don’t want to go to church; I don’t want to see people (what I mean, really, is that I don’t want to be seen). At the risk of using a very cliche term—living in community means being vulnerable. Are people selfish, judgemental, hypocritical? Sure. But so am I. So are you. People are also funny, quirky, beautiful, smelly, and delightful.
5. Cultivate space.
This may be the most difficult for a suburban monastic. Do you have a place—a place to read and write and pray, a place where you can be you? These days, often times, our space is digital. However, I’m talking about a real, physical place. The Bible makes much of consecrated space (think Moses, Isaiah, Jesus). Not to over-spiritualize, but we need a place that is separate, that is special, even if it’s a closet, a garage, or a corner table at Starbucks.
6. Consecrate time.
For all the talk in the Bible of consecrated space, there is also much made of consecrated time—or the idea of Sabbath. Not so long ago places of business were closed on Sunday. For modern American Christians the common-culture’s commitment to a Sabbath is nearly non-existent. We must carve out time for rest, rejuvenation and prayer. That may mean for you a literal day of the week, but beyond that, you should consider how to create quiet moments and quiet seasons (and they won’t come easy). God made the Sabbath for man, not the other way around.
7. Choose to see beauty.
Key #7 was originally drafted as “be mindful,” but it begged the question “…of what?”
In contemporary culture, ugliness and sentimentality abound. Beauty is not necessarily in short supply, but sometimes it must be sought out and cultivated. Don’t merely be a consumer and critic. Make beautiful things. Make things beautiful. And, don’t be afraid to share it when you do.
The Suburban Monastic 