BBC’s Monastery Response

After watching BBC’s episodes on people choosing to live as a monk for an extended period of time, I realized how much power we each having in choosing our way of life. The first episode discusses the guidelines of new living along with meeting the volunteers and why they each opted into such an experience. The leader of guiding these men through this journey in my opinion welcomes the gentlemen and slowly helps the incorporation of a new lifestyle smoothly. These men although conscious of their choice seemed a bit hesitant to the new routine. After a while viewers see progress and the men find ways to better themselves. At times we see reflection and not only inner peace making but outer issues are being resolved too, thanks to the monks. The last episode the volunteers go see what life is like at another monastery. This helps not only the volunteers but viewers see different groups have different practices. After watching these episodes I think viewers can take away how important self reflection and prayer can be. Sometimes making time for silence everyday is unrealistic for some, others might think reading the Bible and studying that is unrealistic, but each person can incorporate something. Even if that something is having a mentor. Personally I think the experience is eye opening. I have gone on three day retreats and I feel renewed and refreshed, I can only imagine how they must have felt after forty days. I know we each have a calling in life and some might feel being a monk, being married, etc is their calling. However over all I think we each need someone as a mentor, and a calming presence in our life. I personally have an app that gives me a daily Bible verse, that is my way to connect to Him. I respect each decision these men monk or volunteer made and continue to make. I did enjoy the closing of life updates of each volunteer, and though they’re all different, viewers can see this experience effected them in ways they couldn’t have thought of. I’m glad these men chose to take a part of this experience with them into the future.