Living into transformation

as part of a complex community

A few years ago my spouse and I visited Redwood National Park in northern California. Hiking in torrential rain our raincoats were almost as wet on the inside as out. Undaunted, we basked in the glorious majesty and magic of our surroundings.

After hiking for an hour my spirit softened and I began to see the forest with a deep sense of presence and awareness. As we hiked, soaking in the rain and the beauty of the place, plants, critters, fog, (and of course the trees!) my vision shifted. I was completely gobsmacked by the abundance and variety of species living in, on, and because of those beautiful ancient living things. Redwoods are “not just trees — they are part of complex communities of living things interacting with their environment.”¹

The awesomeness of ginormous living redwoods is no small thing and as I slowed down enough to carefully observe the area around fallen redwoods, the magic of the earthy, fertile creation in which we were enveloped became reality. In the image below are fallen redwoods, each having completed their original mission: standing tall, shading and nurturing the surrounding environment.

After dying trees continue to support the environment around themselves, in addition to hosting an abundance of new life. From feeding the microscopic organisms underground, to ferns and other epiphytes, fungi, huckleberry, currant, elderberry, sorrel, alder, etc. Fully living and thriving new redwood trees grow around, in and on the fallen trees. It was a joy to immerse myself into the amazing energy of those trees. A parallel reality touched my mind and heart in the redwood forest that day and I have been ruminating on it since. These notes are a product of several sessions of personal lectio. So, what does this have to do with Benedictine Spirituality? Read on!

Benedict founded his monasteries as a radical alternative to a world of chaos in the 5th century. Since then, Benedictine monasticism has continually adapted to “respond to the needs of the times.” Point of fact or my opinion: creative adaption to change is a primary Benedictine charism! Benedictine monasticism has never stayed the same for long as large monasteries and magnificent contributions to our world gave way to smaller communities, which in later centuries grew again in large numbers. Right now our world is filled with chaos, uncertainty, natural and human caused disasters, violence, pain. At the same time many Benedictine monastic communities are declining or coming to completion. At St Gertrude’s a different plan is underway.

Much like that beautiful redwood environment that is constantly in transition, (and every other healthy forest for that matter) our St. Gertrude’s Community nurtures the world around it and extends its reach well beyond. And, like the redwoods, it is changing and actively adapting as are most monastic communities in north America. We cannot predict with certainty what the future will bring but we do know that healthy growth will continue to come if we look to the future with creativity and grace. There is no time for fear as we live into transformation of the world!

Benedictine spirituality is not just about me and my personal journey but that is the critical first step, yes? St. Benedict has set out a practical and do-able roadmap and Benedictine monasticism now has many forms as it has adapted to the times and needs of society. Will we look and feel the same in five years, or ten? Highly unlikely. Just as the amazing abundance of life growing in, around, on, and because of fallen redwoods and the symbiotic network beneath the ground, monasticism will continue in new wonderful ways. And so too, St. Gertrude’s as we continue to grow into the Center for Benedictine Life. As we nurture each other and in turn enrich our personal circles of influence, may we with grace continue to live into our Benedictine promises as appropriate. We are Sisters, Oblates, Employees, Koinonia and small Benedictine community members walking each other home. And may hospitality, simplicity and peacemaking remain our priorities.

Jane Somerton has been an Oblate of the Monastery of St. Gertrude since 1988. She has held several leadership positions, and currently chairs the Board of the Center for Benedictine Life.