Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life

Well written, easy to real and appealing to all types of people regardless of faith or beliefs. Peaceful and inspiring

I read/listened to this book & at first I thought the author was nuts to suggest living in a life of silence. Then one day I had to turn the power off at my house and found that a life in silence gives you plenty of time to hear & realize your thoughts. I found that I've become more insightful into my inner minds working.

I can sum the value of this book up in one sentance: "I could hand this book to anyone (atheist, agnostic, non-denominational Christian, Catholic theologian...) and be absolutely *certain* they would come away with a deep resepct for, even conversion to, Catholicism." Abbot Jamison presents the depth and the simplicity of Christian spirituality with an eye to the present culture. He begins this book by stating that he is writing for those who have no background in Christianity. However, this book would give even the most seasonsed theologian something to engage prayerfully. This book presents Christian spirituality through the rules of St. Benedict...if I lost you at the word "rules", please keep reading. After stating a rule as an introduction to each section, he succinctly expounds upon the idea using solid reason (in plain-English) to expound and help those of today's modern world understand the importance of religion. Personally his most helpful chapters are on silence: how to handle silence and how to get rid of distractions. I am going to stock-pile this book and give it out to everyone I can! This book is absolutely worth the money!!! My only advice: read is slowly, read it in prayer and read each section twice!

Well phrased from a superiour source. Highly recommend to any 'seeker' and all Benedictines, Oblate or otherwise.

This is an excellent book for those who are looking for healing from the modern lifestyle.

Jamison is Abbot of the Benedictine monastery outside London that was the location for the surprisingly popular BBC TV series titled "The Monastery." He imparts commentary on the seven virtues the monastery's spiritual regimen centers on. "Before we can take the step into the sanctuary [of the peacefulness coming with higher spirituality], we have to find the doorway and that doorway is virtue," writes Jamison. The prized virtues are silence, contemplation, obedience, humility, community, spirituality, and hope. The daily regimen of the regular monks involves practicing them and seeking them to attain increasing levels of spirituality. The TV series followed five lay persons temporarily taking part in this regimen to gain better understanding of the spiritual life and how to grow in spirituality themselves.