Abbess Speaks

When I wandered out into the Lemurian Wilderness and stumbled upon the old Abbey I had no idea that so many pilgrims would follow me and help create a vibrant order within the old walls.

One of the really exciting elements of this Abbey is that we are experimenting with ways to be both alone and together. As Thomas Moore pointed out in his tiny 'Meditations' "early monasteries were designed so that a monk would live in his own cell and eat from his own garden and yet participate in a common life with his brothers."

In our society people find that it is hard to live as individuals while nourishing a marriage, other relationships and raising children. It is hard to express ourselves and tap the creative impulse while being a primary care giver. However, people who live alone often experience anxiety about finding a mate or a community that they feel at ease within.

The fascinating thing about this Abbey is that Monks who have made a vow to the Order of Soul Food are able to experiment with living both lives in the one place. They have not had to leave home, seperate themselves from those they love or go out into the literal wilderness to participate in this world.

This week Fran Sbrocchi made the pilgrimage from Perth and met me here in Melbourne. She has been actively involved with Soul Food since its very early days. Our meeting was a meeting of kindred spirits who have shared a common community for over six years yet never heard one another's voice, seen one another's eyes, been in one another's home. Fran and I instantly embraced one another and the mutual pleasure, the sheer joy of 'meeting' was obvious to both our husbands. We could have talked long into the night but time restraints made that impossible.

In this world of cyber space it seems to me that we can enjoy a way of life that enables us to meet our individual needs and still maintain our responsibility to our family and friends. How remarkable is that?

the Abbess who wanders the monastery in her blue gown.