Reflections on Glenstal Abbey...Part I

It is Thursday and I am still processing my week at Glenstal Abbey, a nearby monastery that is home to about 38 Benedictine monks. The abbey grounds are park-like; rolling hills, farm land, deep woods and formal gardens. Glenstal Abbey is housed in a castle that looks Norman in style (12th century) but was built in 1838. The actual castle is home to a very fine boy's residential school. It is an amazing place and I found myself quickly falling into the rhythm of life there and I loved every moment.

My week, first of all was filled with chant. The abbey church is a relatively new structure with fabulous acoustics. Each day the monks come together to worship through chant. They begin at 6:35 am, and then at Noon for Mass, 6:00 p.m. for Vespers, and 8:35p.m. for Compline. At each point in time there is an opportunity to stop and become still and to just rest in the quietness of the church.I felt washed in the sound inspite of the fact that I couldn't completely relate to the content of the service. It didn't matter. I got a great deal out from teh act of stopping completely, sitting, and listening.

Can you imagine stopping what you are doing even once a day let alone four or five times a day? I am thinking about how to take this model and apply it to my daily routine now that I have left the monastery. Stopping to become full present and to sit quietly for short periods of time throughout the day seems like a gift. I think it is a gift we should all give ourselves. Why, in our modern world, we can hardly stop long enough in the morning to sit down for breakfast let along to consciously stop to take stock, give gratitude or to simply breath into calmness. But I see most clearly now that this is important and I am going to figure out what will allow me to do this, what kind of day I can create that will allow me to become fully present and quiet for even short periods of time. And when I figure it out and test drive it for while, I will share it with you. It is not necessary to be in the structure of monastic life to create this space. We are all sacred beings and life is sacred. Moving through our lives, regardless of our beliefs or religious affiliations, with a heightened awareness of this sacredness and that of every relationship seems an important pursuit. This is something that being at the monastery for a week has confirmed for me.

My experience at the monastery went beyond my experience of sitting in the church and listening to the beautiful and gentle chanting of the monks. It was truly exceptional and I have a better understanding of Gregorian chant and its place in the liturgy as a result.I am better prepared to begin my second semester of study later this month. But what was also special were the wonderful people I met. It was very soul-satisfying to connected with people in the way I love to connect. Our shared conversations every evening in front of the fireplace in the guest house living room were stimulating and thought provoking. Each night as I talked with people I learned so much about Ireland and about Irish spirituality. Everyone was welcoming of my contributions to the conversation. I was thrilled to be asked to share some chants and I have been asked to join a writers' group that will meet back at the Abbey over the course of the spring.

I took walks and the nights that it was clear I was able to stargaze and to see the heavens without the interruption of ambient light. Even more, I felt so comfortable and safe going out into the night to look at the moon and see an occasional plane soaring above like a floating star. The grounds have formal gardens that contain every plant in the bible.

The first day I took my longest walk. The driveways or avenues leading to and from the abbey are planted with vegetation from around the world. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to walk down the back avenue through the back gate, through town and back through the front gate and up the hill where you are greeted by the arch that connects the castle to the old stables.

While I was at Glenstal I attended a day-long work shop with Irish soprano and theologian, Noirin Ni Riain. It was a special day. I will be working this spring with Noirin for my elective study and will be learning alleluia chants from a number of traditions including the Irish, Gregorian and Jewish repertoire. I am honored and blessed for the opportunity. Noirin is a wonderful person.

I have gone on and on. I will stop for now and save further reflects of my week for another blog entry. I hope you will think a bit about stopping even once a day to breathe deeply into presence and to celebrate all that is your own life. Thanks for allowing me to share.

Love from Glocca Morra