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RE: @maninayton And The Wonderful Fountains Abbey
Fabulous fascinating place. I have been there many times. It has such a wonderful feel to the site. I studied the Cistercian order (Trappist Monks and nuns) for years. I used to spend 7/10 days twice every year in a Cistercian Abbey in Cappoquinn, Waterford until 2010. I love the quiet.
They were a silent order for many years, speaking only in their own sign language to one another. The older monks still use it on occasion.
A really good post with great photographs.
Thanks, @katdvine. I'm pleased you enjoyed the post and that it brought back memories for you. I have toyed with the idea of spending some time in a monastery just to get away from everything for a while.
I would definitely recommend it. I go to Mount Melleray Abbey in Cappoquinn in County Waterford. The monks are of the Cistercian Order.
When I first started going there they had a guesthouse at the back of the cloister. Many famous people have stayed there too. One time I was there Tony Robinson stayed for a few days. Very interesting person. Many authors have enjoyed found inspiration in the silence. I got up with the monks at 4am to sing. psalms.
Now they have a new and modernised guesthouse. One pays only as much as one can afford. I love the Cistercian monasteries because they are not as adorned as other churches etc...they don't do lots of statues etc; their churches are more minimalist. It's all about "just being", they are a contemplative order.
The Benedictines are very similar. One comes away spiritually refreshed.
I live a contemplative lifestyle myself. I am not religious, but I felt very comfortable with this way of life.
I hope you do try it, I think you would find it most beneficial. It certainly taught me to prioritise.
Thanks for that. I think it is something I will definitely do at some point in the future. It sounds the kind of thing that would appeal to me....maybe not the 4am start though!