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How it happened:
In early 2013, having paid off my car, I quit my day job and moved to a small property in Eastern North Carolina to be the groundskeeper for a small chapel (de-concecrated) and to do some organic farming. I did not plan on becoming a monk. That just sort of happened. I was raised in the LDS church and though I became inactive when I was about 15, I never lost my affection and respect for the teachings of The Church, or for its members. Over the decade that followed, I began studying and practicing other spiritual traditions from around the world including Buddhism, Judaism Hinduism, Catholicism, Taoism, Protestant, Paganism, Islam, and various oral traditions of the Native Americans. In short, everything I could find.
Upon coming to the Rural East, I found myself largely isolated, spending a significant amount of time in an Episcopalian Chapel with a glorious stained glass window depicting the Ascension of Christ, living without luxury, meditating and praying daily, and spending at least a couple hours every week doing volunteer work in the community. I even (mostly) shaved my head. It's kind of an odd day when you wake up and realize that it's the year 2013 and you're an omnithiestic monk living in Rural North Carolina.
Why give?
In traditional Eastern cultures, it is not uncommon for monks to go door to door with a bowl to beg for food or coin. And the community would give because he works not for himself, but for god. His work is made manifest throughout the community, as it his his duty to pray and care for it. To study ancient wisdom and share it with those who ask. He is, above all, a servant to his community. And in this way I approach you. As your servant. I am not asking for a reward for my work, only for the ability to continue doing it.
And that's what I am. I am a servant. I am your servant. I am God's servant. With humility and overwhelming gratitude, I ask for your help. My service is to spread joy. I'm a percussionist, an artist, a manual laborer, a poet, a carpenter, and a philosopher. I do these things not for myself, but for everyone, for everything. I journey inward, that I might come back to the world and share what I have learned. I ask for your support in this.
Where does it go?
My needs are not great. I live very close to the Earth, and have few expenses. But I do have needs. Money that you donate will go to things like food and clothing for me, along with other simple material goods, as well as gas and car maintenance, so that I can come into the world and share what grace has taught me. My goal is to venture out to festivals and charity events where I can ply my crafts, spread joy, and render service to the deserving community.
I ask this with great humility. I know that I, personally, have done little to earn this. my talents and understanding are gifts, given to me by everyone I've ever met. It was my family, my friends, enemies and strangers who taught me how to love, and how to learn. And it is to them, to you, I owe everything. Upon the foundation of your love and support, I have been given the opportunity to devote myself fully to sharing the joy and love of living in an interconnected community.
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