At the moment I am living between two states, Tabasco and Campeche. We are doing a lot of travelling and are never fully settled anywhere. This is a real issue.
This has led me to think about what I am doing and what being a Monastic is all about? It is actually quite simple being present and being mindful. These are the mother and the father of the monastic life. Without either the Monastic tradition would not exist.
They are so closely interwoven that it is hard to know which is which. It seems to me that being present is about focusing on the job at hand. If that is prayer time then you need to be fully immersed in prayer time. Being Mindful is about something a little bit larger. It is that constant reminder of the option you have made. We have to be fully mindful of our vows and rule to be truly present in the moment.
Being fully mindful of the web of life is the way we are truly present in our actions. If we are mindful that the food on the table was once a living being, and has given itself up for us, then we should be offering up prayers of thanks. Mindfulness leads to prayer in the present.
So even though I may not have had time to sit down and say the complete offices I have still managed to keep mindful and present. I am fully engaged in all I do and fully mindful of my place in the great plan.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Julie Bond. She has asked to enter our noviciate. We are very proud to have her here with us. I hope she enjoys here studies and where ever her path leads may she be truly blessed.