The Rule
The Cloister is a circle and safe space of engaged contemplation for queer men in the spirit of Ignatian and Benedictine spirituality with a healthy mix of humor. Following in the tradition of St. Benedict and other monastic brotherhoods, members of The Cloister agree to practice the following Tenets and follow The Cloister’s Rule as follows:
1. Allow for imperfection — offer space, not judgement
Be as you are; allow others to come as they are
Remind yourself that the Gift is already given
Practice compassion for yourself and be merciful to others
2. Leave room for unknowing — value silence and mystery
Practice contemplation; learn to dwell in the Cloud of Unknowing and the Mystery that is God. It’s okay to “not know”
Speak from the most authentic self—discern the Voice beneath the voice
In prayer, seek to speak plainly, from the heart, and try to use the small voice that speaks from the Heart and from the Soul
In action, seek to find God in the greater and lesser moments of daily activities
3. Ask unexpected things — lean into curiosity and depth
Ask: in prayer and contemplation for the grace God grants when the Soul yearns for solace
Lectio Divina: in prayer, seek inspiration in Scripture and the works of mystics to guide the Soul and instruct action
4. Share what moves you—emotion is part of learning and connection
Prayer: share openly with God your restless thoughts, joys, sorrows in prayer and in contemplation
Journaling: share your private thoughts in journaling and notes that keep a history of the practice allowing room for the joys and sorrows of the path
Spiritual Direction: share your thoughts with a spiritual director who can mirror your thoughts and point out the blind spots the mind or ego won’t show you.
Retreats: share with fellow brothers and sisters the joys, sorrows, and challenges of walking this path of silent contemplation
5. Don’t take the World or others for granted — choose sacred, shared space
Live in the world, and be a part of it, by being part of a larger community
Advocate for the planet and Nature, the poor, minority groups, and the disenfranchised
Daily Practice
Begin the day with the Daily Office
Practice Centering Prayer twice daily
Practice Lectio Divina with Scripture
Practice living in the Presence of God
Journal thoughts, joys, and sorrows privately
Practice the Examen at the end of the day
End the day with the Daily Office
Weekly Practice
Study works/words of others for inspiration and spiritual growth
Engage with community (family, community, work, monastery, church)
Seek solace through prayer when the soul yearns
Read, study, and interact with fellow Brothers and spiritual seekers
Ongoing Attitudes
Allow for imperfection in self and others
Speak authentically from the heart in prayer
Ask curious, unexpected questions in contemplation
Share emotions openly with God
Choose sacred, shared spaces over isolation
Seek solace through prayer when the soul yearns
Meet with spiritual director for guidance and blind spot awareness
Practice compassion and mercy toward self and others
Periodic Practice
Practice works of mercy: feeding the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, care for needy, advocate for minority groups, care for shelter animals, care for the disenfranchised, advocate for justice, work for peace, give to charity
Attend retreats with fellow contemplatives
Advocate for planet and nature