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Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life
The Monastery (BBC television series) involved five non-monks living the monastic life for forty days while TV cameras tracked their progress. The sight of monks responding thoughtfully and helpfully to ordinary people's struggles was a surprise to millions of viewers who had presumed that monks were "out of touch." St. Benedict wrote his Rule for monastic living 1,500 years ago when he was abbot of Monte Cassino, the monastery that sits atop an inspiring mountain to the East of Rome. The name, "The Rule of St. Benedict," often misleads people into thinking that Benedict wrote "a book of rules." In fact, he wrote insights for Christian living, with practical suggestions for daily practice. The insights still guide people today and many of the rules have been adapted to local conditions as Benedict requested.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 3, 2025
Another from my dad’s stash of books. Written by the Abbot Christopher Jamison from the Benedictine monastery of Worth Abbey in Sussex. The book follows the TV series ‘The Monastery’ where 5 modern men spent 40 days and nights in a retreat here.
An overview of St Benedict’s teaching. Focussing on the Monastic steps of: Silence. Contemplation. Obedience, Humility, Community, Spiritualty and Hope. There are references to the men in the tv series as well as other religious examples.
I enjoyed the read. But was reminded that I was not able to deliver the ‘retreat’ my dad would have loved. I will look out the tv series.
An overview of St Benedict’s teaching. Focussing on the Monastic steps of: Silence. Contemplation. Obedience, Humility, Community, Spiritualty and Hope. There are references to the men in the tv series as well as other religious examples.
I enjoyed the read. But was reminded that I was not able to deliver the ‘retreat’ my dad would have loved. I will look out the tv series.
May 23, 2025
A friend of mine lent me this when I told her I was planning a 100 hour self conducted silent retreat and digital de-tox. I found this of interest by way of preparation. What I liked most about it is that the author – a Benedictine Abbot – compares the approach to a spiritual journey as being like constructing a building: the door is virtue, the entrance lobby has a carpet which is woven from silence, then we enter the vestibule of contemplation, etc. I think this is quite imaginative and useful. But the more I got into this, the more problematic I felt it to be.
My biggest problem is the author’s emphasis on humility. He claims this is “necessary for success”, but if we think of those whom most people would regard as successful, in most cases I don’t see much humility. I suppose it depends what you mean by “success”. But when he says “humility leads to greatness” I’m left wondering if he means this to be a paradox, or if being humble is what you need if you want greatness – in which case it is surely fake humility. He quotes Benedict – “the monk must regard himself as worthless” – and says this means “less worthy rather than of no worth.” But it seems to me that Benedict means exactly what he says, and no amount of spinning or twisting the words can get round that. To me, this kind of anti-transcendent passivity (he talks of “the lie of the divine self”) is at the heart of the problem with Christianity – what Nietzsche called its “slave mentality” – and I like it not.
I also smell hypocristy – such as when the Abbot criticises “consumerism” in spirituality. And yet the book exists because his monastery featured on a highly successful TV show, after which the monastery’s coffers were nicely filled because it was fully booked with visitors for many months afterwards – as well as raising the profile of the current author so highly that demand for a book like this was created. Is he not playing the same consumerist game he critiques?
There is some good stuff about obedience as the consequence of love which made me think about how and why I cared for my late mother. And yet monks don’t look after their own elderly relatives, do they? If you wanted to cut yourself off completely from family ties, then it seems to me that entering a monastery might be a good way to do it.
There are certainly useful and interesting things about this book, and I like the idea of approaching a spiritual journey – or indeed any Great Matter – by treating it as if you were entering a carefully constructed building of thoughts and resolutions, with each part leading into and upholding the whole. I felt renewed and refreshed after my own 100 hour re-set and I would recommend it to anyone, especially if as I did you start with a 24 hour water fast, unplug all electronic devices, and don’t speak to anyone at all till it ends. It seemed to work for me, but if it was a “success”, I don’t think this book takes much credit for it.
My biggest problem is the author’s emphasis on humility. He claims this is “necessary for success”, but if we think of those whom most people would regard as successful, in most cases I don’t see much humility. I suppose it depends what you mean by “success”. But when he says “humility leads to greatness” I’m left wondering if he means this to be a paradox, or if being humble is what you need if you want greatness – in which case it is surely fake humility. He quotes Benedict – “the monk must regard himself as worthless” – and says this means “less worthy rather than of no worth.” But it seems to me that Benedict means exactly what he says, and no amount of spinning or twisting the words can get round that. To me, this kind of anti-transcendent passivity (he talks of “the lie of the divine self”) is at the heart of the problem with Christianity – what Nietzsche called its “slave mentality” – and I like it not.
I also smell hypocristy – such as when the Abbot criticises “consumerism” in spirituality. And yet the book exists because his monastery featured on a highly successful TV show, after which the monastery’s coffers were nicely filled because it was fully booked with visitors for many months afterwards – as well as raising the profile of the current author so highly that demand for a book like this was created. Is he not playing the same consumerist game he critiques?
There is some good stuff about obedience as the consequence of love which made me think about how and why I cared for my late mother. And yet monks don’t look after their own elderly relatives, do they? If you wanted to cut yourself off completely from family ties, then it seems to me that entering a monastery might be a good way to do it.
There are certainly useful and interesting things about this book, and I like the idea of approaching a spiritual journey – or indeed any Great Matter – by treating it as if you were entering a carefully constructed building of thoughts and resolutions, with each part leading into and upholding the whole. I felt renewed and refreshed after my own 100 hour re-set and I would recommend it to anyone, especially if as I did you start with a 24 hour water fast, unplug all electronic devices, and don’t speak to anyone at all till it ends. It seemed to work for me, but if it was a “success”, I don’t think this book takes much credit for it.
March 2, 2012
Was sent this by a friend and was unsure what to expect. A book to accompany a TV series I didn't see, I probably would not have picked it up of my own accord, but have rarely been so grateful for an unsolicited book sent to me.
Christopher Jamison managed to use the 170 small pages of quite large print to provide a great distillation of learning and wisdom, in a very accessible way. It was full of very helpful and encouraging material, but not at all short on challenge.
One of those books that will need turning back to again and again, in order to slowly digest the content. One read - even if it has been deliberately slow and focused - is nowhere near enough.
Christopher Jamison managed to use the 170 small pages of quite large print to provide a great distillation of learning and wisdom, in a very accessible way. It was full of very helpful and encouraging material, but not at all short on challenge.
One of those books that will need turning back to again and again, in order to slowly digest the content. One read - even if it has been deliberately slow and focused - is nowhere near enough.
February 28, 2020
Written by the Abbot of Worth, as a follow-up to the television series 'The Monastery' which followed 5 men, none of them practising Catholics, as they spent a month living alongside the monks.
The book introduces the Rule of St Benedict, the principles on which Benedictine monasteries are organised, and draws from it principles that can be followed in secular life as well as an explanation of why monastic life is as it is.
I picked this up because I was interested in the Rule of St Benedict, but I soon found myself watching the whole of the TV series on YouTube to see what challenges the visitors faced - even though the series is rarely mentioned in the book.
The Rule is presented by theme rather than point by point, with chapters on Silence, Contemplation, Obedience, Humility, Community, Spirituality, and Hope. Abbot Christopher also explains lectio divina which I thought just meant reading the Bible or studying other texts, but in fact it's more like contemplation or meditation on a short passage - at least, that's his view of it.
He doesn't address any wider theological questions like why does God let bad things happen or what is heaven, but that was perfect for me because it's the living in community aspect that interests me.
The book introduces the Rule of St Benedict, the principles on which Benedictine monasteries are organised, and draws from it principles that can be followed in secular life as well as an explanation of why monastic life is as it is.
I picked this up because I was interested in the Rule of St Benedict, but I soon found myself watching the whole of the TV series on YouTube to see what challenges the visitors faced - even though the series is rarely mentioned in the book.
The Rule is presented by theme rather than point by point, with chapters on Silence, Contemplation, Obedience, Humility, Community, Spirituality, and Hope. Abbot Christopher also explains lectio divina which I thought just meant reading the Bible or studying other texts, but in fact it's more like contemplation or meditation on a short passage - at least, that's his view of it.
He doesn't address any wider theological questions like why does God let bad things happen or what is heaven, but that was perfect for me because it's the living in community aspect that interests me.
November 5, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is important to me that a spiritual/religious author have appreciation, respect, and acknowledge systems and beliefs outside the primary focus and practice of the author. Jamison speaks thoroughly and in depth of the Benedictine monastic tradition as well as throughout acknowledging and drawing parallels, pointing out similarities among other traditions. He remains very true and sincere in the path he has chosen and speaks at the same time appreciating the broader world of beliefs, practices, and approaches to the Divine.
January 1, 2019
I bought this book while at Holy Island in England in May, so it will always have a special place in my heart and remind me of my trip. My soul felt called to buy the book. In England, the sacred places just seem a little more sacred than the ones I’m used to in the U.S. They feel like comforting sanctuaries, and that was a feeling I wanted to keep cultivating in my everyday life.
This book took me a while to finish, just because it was not a fast read. I really wanted to spend time with each page, dwell on the words and ponder the thoughts. I did a lot of underlining. I for sure will be returning to this book again and again.
Oddly enough, I bought it and then later in the year I ended up doing so much more self-reflection and meditation, primarily through instituting a near-daily Ashtanga yoga practice. I didn’t have those plans when I bought the book. That’s why I say my soul knew I needed the book before my mind did. Intuition has a great way of working out.
This book took me a while to finish, just because it was not a fast read. I really wanted to spend time with each page, dwell on the words and ponder the thoughts. I did a lot of underlining. I for sure will be returning to this book again and again.
Oddly enough, I bought it and then later in the year I ended up doing so much more self-reflection and meditation, primarily through instituting a near-daily Ashtanga yoga practice. I didn’t have those plans when I bought the book. That’s why I say my soul knew I needed the book before my mind did. Intuition has a great way of working out.
April 14, 2021
Really good, clear and practical guide for finding true peace, rest and centredness in our busy lives. Jamison does this by evaluating contemporary culture and spirituality; and placing it in the light of the convictions of the desert fathers and the monastic tradition as a whole. Excellent read for anyone looking for practical steps towards finding peace.
July 10, 2025
Accessible life lessons from an abbott. The book is written in an easy, accessible way and yet has enough depth to be engaging. I didn't expect it to grip me so much. I have been recommending it to friends. For me personally a proof that books about life and spirituality don't have to be heavy-handed to be inspiring and touching. Would like to read again, so 5 stars.
February 5, 2009
Came my way accidentally. I'd put it onto an amazon order before Christmas as a present for someone who liked the Abbot's words, but I found her a signed copy in a local bookshop. So I got it along with my first January order from amazon since I had not deleted the order list. I like it. I saw the TV series, and have a soft spot for Abbots and monasteries. Seven steps to sanctuary. But I fall at the first which is being nice to everyone all the time, and I kind of resent the routine and somewhat snidey attacks on popular culture, and poor people as being somehow ungodly. On the other hand, if I were to get myself into order and actually resist the currents of distracting excitements and denials that claim me, I would, will, doubtless possibly, yes, "doubtless possibly", find this a glorious and wise book. The implication is that it will end up on the shelf, or in its little place for occasional convenient spiritual visits (convenient, in that they incur no more or less importance than other items from an interesting catalogue of life), and the views I may have on the book are less important than really the mind that holds the views. But goodreads is no forum for such. In hope, I do like Abbot Christopher.
Now finished, though this is a book to return to. What I particularly found heartening, encouraging and maybe life changing was that I have for such a long time been upset by pick and mix new ageism, self-centred consumer guides to 'spiritual' comfort, the exploded array of bricolage that is on an ever growing rubbish heap of those who have plundered bits and pieces of the great religions, made religion an enemy of spiritualism, supported full on the ideology of atomised selfseeking consumerism. That I witness this among some of the professed, the ordained and the church leaders breaks my heart.
I am still a very confused person, but a book like this, read slowly, cannot be simply one of many objects put on a shelf or in a cupboard, reduced eventually to another torn fragment of a desecrated tapestry. The call is for a whole life involvement (not a holistic this, that or the other cd from amazon), being, stabilised, centred commitment, sacrifice. Did you know that sacrifice has the root of sacred, the making holy, whole, healing? It is a call from the gravity of selfishness to sharing and binding and community (that poor, poor word that has been so violated). There are no private compartments on the way to salvation, the Abbot says. the book is a resource and guide with hope at its heart.
Now finished, though this is a book to return to. What I particularly found heartening, encouraging and maybe life changing was that I have for such a long time been upset by pick and mix new ageism, self-centred consumer guides to 'spiritual' comfort, the exploded array of bricolage that is on an ever growing rubbish heap of those who have plundered bits and pieces of the great religions, made religion an enemy of spiritualism, supported full on the ideology of atomised selfseeking consumerism. That I witness this among some of the professed, the ordained and the church leaders breaks my heart.
I am still a very confused person, but a book like this, read slowly, cannot be simply one of many objects put on a shelf or in a cupboard, reduced eventually to another torn fragment of a desecrated tapestry. The call is for a whole life involvement (not a holistic this, that or the other cd from amazon), being, stabilised, centred commitment, sacrifice. Did you know that sacrifice has the root of sacred, the making holy, whole, healing? It is a call from the gravity of selfishness to sharing and binding and community (that poor, poor word that has been so violated). There are no private compartments on the way to salvation, the Abbot says. the book is a resource and guide with hope at its heart.
May 20, 2009
Finding Sanctuary
by Abbot Christopher Jamison
Liturgical Press (2006)
Description of the Book
Modern life is characterized by an overwhelming sense of busyness. The Rule of St. Benedict, written 1500 years ago for an Italian abbey, provides practical insights about Christian living that can be applied today and provide sanctuary from this busyness for everyday people and monastics alike.
Interpretation of the Book
Finding Sanctuary grew out of Abbot Jamison’s experience on the BBC reality TV show The Monastery, in which five men were immersed in the monastic life at Worth Abbey for 40 days and nights. Their experience, and the author’s, showed viewers of the TV series that the Benedictine spiritual tradition is a practical spirituality for contemporary life.
The book is broken into two major sections.
The first section is relatively short, and establishes the contemporary sense of busyness which dominates our everyday lives. It shows that today’s consumerism, while toxic, is not much different from the cultural environment encountered by the desert fathers, from whom Benedict evolved.
The second section introduces seven steps from Benedictine spirituality which provide sanctuary in contemporary culture. Abbot Jamison discusses the monastic practices of silence, contemplation, obedience, humility, community, spirituality and hope. In each chapter he describes monastic history, tells contemporary stories about that practice, and then provides practical suggestions for implementing the topic in everyday life. He also includes spiritual practices from other monastic movements such as the Jesuits, Carthusians, Eastern Orthodox and others.
Application
This book is an easily approachable spin on Benedictine spirituality. It compares well with Radical Hospitality by Fr. Daniel Homan, OSB and Lonni Collins Pratt.
Abbot Jamison’s section describing lectio divina in the chapter on Contemplation is the highlight of the book for me. It makes some key points that I’ve used in leading retreats and to my own small group : “the text is seen as a gift to be received, not a problem to be dissected. The first task to which the tradition invites the modern reader is: avoid imposing your questions and let the text question you. Humility is the key to wisdom.” (p. 64).
by Abbot Christopher Jamison
Liturgical Press (2006)
Description of the Book
Modern life is characterized by an overwhelming sense of busyness. The Rule of St. Benedict, written 1500 years ago for an Italian abbey, provides practical insights about Christian living that can be applied today and provide sanctuary from this busyness for everyday people and monastics alike.
Interpretation of the Book
Finding Sanctuary grew out of Abbot Jamison’s experience on the BBC reality TV show The Monastery, in which five men were immersed in the monastic life at Worth Abbey for 40 days and nights. Their experience, and the author’s, showed viewers of the TV series that the Benedictine spiritual tradition is a practical spirituality for contemporary life.
The book is broken into two major sections.
The first section is relatively short, and establishes the contemporary sense of busyness which dominates our everyday lives. It shows that today’s consumerism, while toxic, is not much different from the cultural environment encountered by the desert fathers, from whom Benedict evolved.
The second section introduces seven steps from Benedictine spirituality which provide sanctuary in contemporary culture. Abbot Jamison discusses the monastic practices of silence, contemplation, obedience, humility, community, spirituality and hope. In each chapter he describes monastic history, tells contemporary stories about that practice, and then provides practical suggestions for implementing the topic in everyday life. He also includes spiritual practices from other monastic movements such as the Jesuits, Carthusians, Eastern Orthodox and others.
Application
This book is an easily approachable spin on Benedictine spirituality. It compares well with Radical Hospitality by Fr. Daniel Homan, OSB and Lonni Collins Pratt.
Abbot Jamison’s section describing lectio divina in the chapter on Contemplation is the highlight of the book for me. It makes some key points that I’ve used in leading retreats and to my own small group : “the text is seen as a gift to be received, not a problem to be dissected. The first task to which the tradition invites the modern reader is: avoid imposing your questions and let the text question you. Humility is the key to wisdom.” (p. 64).
September 20, 2023
This incredible little book gives us so much wisdom and guidance through the lives of a Benedictine monk. St Benedict knew Jesus so well, and guided his monks with the incredible love he experienced of Jesus in his own life. So read and be truly blessed and uplifted.
April 13, 2023
This is a reasonable book. It has some really useful points that are worth thinking through. I struggled with the way he made it sound like a self-help book rather than calling us to rely upon God,
July 7, 2018
7/15 // Wonderful.
October 10, 2018
Strong start but preachy toward the end.
March 6, 2021
This is a difficult one to review. It wasn't especially fun to read and it took me two months to get through it, but it feels unfair to apply my usual reviewing criteria. "Finding Sanctuary" clearly isn't a quick read for entertainment that will provide instant happiness. Instead, it is a book full of wisdom that readers can return to again and again on their long and arduous journey towards finding sanctuary.
The book wasn't quite what I anticipated. According to the blurb on the back, Jamison "speaks especially to those who are not sure what they believe", so I was expecting something more along the lines of Alain de Bottons "Religion for Atheists" - a practical guide to what non-believers might be able to borrow from religion. Unlike Alain de Botton, a non-believer himself, Abbot Christopher Jamison is a Benedictine monk, and he stays very true to himself in this respect. Instead of translating monastic elements into a secular form, Jamison condemns the practise of picking out whichever parts of classical religions take one's fancy, arguing that it is part of the consumerist treadmill we should be trying to escape. He asserts the need to choose between a wholesale commitment to a classical religion or no religion at all, claiming that only obedience to God can deal with the "fundamental challenge of the wayward desires of the heart".
Is "Finding Sanctuary" a "genuine solution to the abominable problems of modern living", as the Sunday Telegraph puts it? Yes and no. For Christians, maybe. But if the crux is believing in God, which is not necessarily a choice, there seems to be little that convicted non-believers can do. "Finding Sanctuary" can surely be of great value to those looking to deepen their relationship with God and can inspire all of us to question how we want to live. Nevertheless, the monastic steps Jamison describes only really come together in the context of religious belief, which, to me, feels like an insurmountable barrier.
The book wasn't quite what I anticipated. According to the blurb on the back, Jamison "speaks especially to those who are not sure what they believe", so I was expecting something more along the lines of Alain de Bottons "Religion for Atheists" - a practical guide to what non-believers might be able to borrow from religion. Unlike Alain de Botton, a non-believer himself, Abbot Christopher Jamison is a Benedictine monk, and he stays very true to himself in this respect. Instead of translating monastic elements into a secular form, Jamison condemns the practise of picking out whichever parts of classical religions take one's fancy, arguing that it is part of the consumerist treadmill we should be trying to escape. He asserts the need to choose between a wholesale commitment to a classical religion or no religion at all, claiming that only obedience to God can deal with the "fundamental challenge of the wayward desires of the heart".
Is "Finding Sanctuary" a "genuine solution to the abominable problems of modern living", as the Sunday Telegraph puts it? Yes and no. For Christians, maybe. But if the crux is believing in God, which is not necessarily a choice, there seems to be little that convicted non-believers can do. "Finding Sanctuary" can surely be of great value to those looking to deepen their relationship with God and can inspire all of us to question how we want to live. Nevertheless, the monastic steps Jamison describes only really come together in the context of religious belief, which, to me, feels like an insurmountable barrier.
January 14, 2018
I read the large print version, which is called Finding Happiness. I think they are the same.
I liked the beginning of this book, as usual, not into the Christian thought. It was interesting how he treated vices as demons - at times personifying them to the point where they have independent life, then shying away from that thought.
I noticed that he placed the blame on Adam and Eve for eating the fruit of knowledge. When I was at the convent (60 years ago!) the blame was Eve's. Wicked Eve, she tempted Adam and was responsible for all the ills of the world. I used to think: if men are supposed to be in charge, why didn't Adam say, 'Come off it, sweetheart. You know it's wrong. Throw the apple away.' Simples! So glad to see that is changing. But then, should the word of God change? if the interpretations can vary so wildly, is the bible a reliable guide?
Was also amused how sniffy the abbot was about Disneyland. He thinks they commercialize spirituality. He says, families go to Disney because they want to feel good. The company messages are educational and fun and all about doing the right thing, but just spending money doesn't buy you happiness. No, it doesn't, but just going to church doesn't make you a better person, but lots of people go in the same way they go to Disneyland: hoping to feel better and not knowing how to. Also, I've never been to a church that didn't have an offering box and a collection plate and some even ask for a 10% tithe. I wouldn't be so sniffy about Disney. Maybe Walt was a prophet if the message is the same.
I liked the beginning of this book, as usual, not into the Christian thought. It was interesting how he treated vices as demons - at times personifying them to the point where they have independent life, then shying away from that thought.
I noticed that he placed the blame on Adam and Eve for eating the fruit of knowledge. When I was at the convent (60 years ago!) the blame was Eve's. Wicked Eve, she tempted Adam and was responsible for all the ills of the world. I used to think: if men are supposed to be in charge, why didn't Adam say, 'Come off it, sweetheart. You know it's wrong. Throw the apple away.' Simples! So glad to see that is changing. But then, should the word of God change? if the interpretations can vary so wildly, is the bible a reliable guide?
Was also amused how sniffy the abbot was about Disneyland. He thinks they commercialize spirituality. He says, families go to Disney because they want to feel good. The company messages are educational and fun and all about doing the right thing, but just spending money doesn't buy you happiness. No, it doesn't, but just going to church doesn't make you a better person, but lots of people go in the same way they go to Disneyland: hoping to feel better and not knowing how to. Also, I've never been to a church that didn't have an offering box and a collection plate and some even ask for a 10% tithe. I wouldn't be so sniffy about Disney. Maybe Walt was a prophet if the message is the same.
December 22, 2018
This is a relatively slim volume which makes a connection between Benedictine spirituality and everyday life- an abiding theme in my reading, but one which fascinates me. The author is the abbot of Worth Abbey- famous for the scene for the BBC reality show- The Monastery. Abbot Christopher references the series at several points and uses it to bounce his ideas about applying monastic wisdom to one's own life.
Abbot Christopher's starts with an examination of today's society and its compulsive busyness and blindness to spiritual values. He has a basically compassionate view of this, but I did find it slightly annoying that he insists that the busyness is a choice. It is, in a sense, but the fact is that the whole society is in hyperspeed, so it remains very difficult not to be sucked in. I think that recognition of how the world is systemically busy is something I wish Abbot Christopher had emphasized more.
His remedy, of course, is the application of monastic practices such as silence, contemplation, obedience, humility, community, spirituality and hope and such. Abbot Christopher writes with both compassion and a knowledge of how much difference these practices can make in people's lives. The result is an appealing book on Benedictine values which feels realizable.
Abbot Christopher's starts with an examination of today's society and its compulsive busyness and blindness to spiritual values. He has a basically compassionate view of this, but I did find it slightly annoying that he insists that the busyness is a choice. It is, in a sense, but the fact is that the whole society is in hyperspeed, so it remains very difficult not to be sucked in. I think that recognition of how the world is systemically busy is something I wish Abbot Christopher had emphasized more.
His remedy, of course, is the application of monastic practices such as silence, contemplation, obedience, humility, community, spirituality and hope and such. Abbot Christopher writes with both compassion and a knowledge of how much difference these practices can make in people's lives. The result is an appealing book on Benedictine values which feels realizable.
April 25, 2021
There is a lot that capitalist society has to learn from the monastic way of life, and I think that mostly comes across ok in this book. I took home the most from chapters on silence, contemplation, and humility, coming away with a commitment to embed them as practices more. From there, unfortunately it goes downhill a little. There was a valiant effort at spinning Benedict’s draconian 6th century view of obedience into something palatable to 21st century ears, but I wasn’t convinced. Chapters on spirituality and hope got a little - how do I put it? - evangelical... And, despite an otherwise pretty open-minded view of non-Christian religions, I feel the book was let down by a shoddy chapter on community, which was over-critical of non-monastic interpretations of community, including an unnecessary problematic claim about the black community not being a ‘real’ community, which detracted from the otherwise well-written argument that capitalism has abstracted us from living with and knowing those around us.
July 1, 2023
I bought this at a monastery bookstore, never having heard of the TV series or Worth Abbey. It spoke to my soul, offering simple ways to create sanctuary, something most of us crave whether we know it or not. Busyness can and does happen anywhere. In this book, Jamison offers ways we can create sanctuary--a safe place--without leaving the world. The steps can be challenging, inside or outside a monastery. But the inner peace found when we make the seemingly hard decisions is worth the sacrifice. I've found myself chewing over and over again on this Thomas Merton quote that Jamison offers: "In order to become myself I must cease to be what I always thought I wanted to be."
June 4, 2017
With a wonderful introduction of the busyness of life we find ourselves in these days, thanks largely to increased consumerism, Abbot Jamison begins the process of building sanctuary, step by step, by “Monastic Steps”. These seven steps are: (1) Silence, (2) Contemplation (prayer and divine reading), (3) Obedience, (4) Humility, (5) Community, (6) Spirituality, and (7) Hope. This is a tremendous guide that makes total sense, logically and intuitively. What a wonderful book, to read over and over again.
September 23, 2025
A young monk once went to see his superior: 'Father, he said, I must leave the monastery because I clearly do not have a vocation to be a monk.' When the older monk asked why, the younger monk replied: 'In spite of daily resolutions to be good tempered, chaste and sober, I keep sinning. So I feel I am not suited to monastic life.' The older monk looked at him with love and said: 'Brother, the monastic life is this: I rise up and I fall down, I rise up and I fall down, I rise up and I fall down.' The young monk stayed and persevered.
November 8, 2022
I enjoyed how relatable this book was. It was not preachy, but it was focused on applicable ways to find inner peace. It was similar to what I have read from Buddhist monks, but I thought it was a step up from there.
I had the change to read it during my Camino de Santiago and read the last chapter from a Benedictine monastery which is the same type as in the book.
It is a short read, but it should be done slowly.
I had the change to read it during my Camino de Santiago and read the last chapter from a Benedictine monastery which is the same type as in the book.
It is a short read, but it should be done slowly.
November 14, 2024
This book is taken from the TV series The Monastery. Abbott Christopher Jamison, from Worth Abbey, suggests how the wisdom of St. Benedict can be lived by those who don't live in a monastery. As a Benedictine oblate, I found this to be a lovely refresher course written in plain English on how to live the life God intended us to live.
May 22, 2021
Really mixed emotions about this book. Teaching on death in one of the final chapters was inspiring, whilst some of the book seemed legalistic and defensive. Although I could simply be bias to his approach and method of finding peace and seeking God, it was after all very practical.
September 2, 2025
I always feel a better person after reading Abbot Christopher Jamison. In the Lectio Divina of The Prodigal Son I love the way Jesus tells us that the youngest son had worked out what he would say to his father but his father was already running towards him and hugging him as his son.
December 25, 2025
Great read! Insightful lessons that allow for easy flow between chapters. Rooted in a Catholic lens, the concepts of humility, as well as “spirituality” can be universally understood by most faiths. Now I just need to watch the documentary!
September 11, 2017
A thoughtful exploration of what Sanctuary means as a model for living within the heart of faith and spirituality; or as Jamison would say, religion.
March 16, 2018
Digs into the contradictions and pressures of modern life and how monastic habits can help one lead a more balanced life.
March 31, 2019
Great read, very insightful.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, gained an awful lot of insight, well worth a read for religious and non religious alike.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, gained an awful lot of insight, well worth a read for religious and non religious alike.
May 4, 2020
Really helpful.
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