The Monastery - BBC 2, Tuesday May 10th

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Finally saw the video recording. Episode 1: Wonderful programme... Fascinating to follow how the candidates gradually open up, learn about themselves, about others, about monastic life, about God... That bit about learning to see yourself as others see you... very powerful + so true. The programme challenges me and makes me want to reassess who and where I am, imagining what I would say if some of their questions were addressed to me. In many ways I envy those Benedictine monks. Life for them is in a sense very simple and straightforward. I want to maintain that simplicity in my own vocation, but it's not always easy. Peace and love... that's all. When I am at peace and basking in God's love, all is well and I feel a taste of heaven and of what is awaiting me/us.

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