Submission Guidelines

General Submission Guidelines:

At The Abbey Blog, we are looking for original writing (poetry or prose) that shares authentic spiritual experiences, questions, and insights from both ancient and modern sources with a focus on contemplative practices. General Submissions should be at least 800 but no more than 1400 words, submitted in Word format, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman or Arial/Helvetica font. Submissions must be the original creation of the author and not previously published. Send your submission and a cover letter using the “Submission” button below. All unsolicited submissions are considered and you should receive a response within six weeks. 

Quarterly “Trove” Submission Guidelines:

In addition to the monthly “Contemplative Trove” issue of the Practicing Presence blog at The Abbey, where we curate a list of spiritual practice opportunities, we are adding opportunities for practitioners  and pilgrims among us to share recipes, photos, and embodiment practices.

Trove Submissions may be of any length, but are typically between 200 and 800 words. Use the “Submission” button below to submit your piece.

Culinary Trove:

Where we share recipes and a meaningful (to us) story about the recipe. The story could be about where you got the recipe, or about a special ingredient you use, or about a time you made the recipe or who you made It for. Photos may be included.

Thin Places Trove:

Where we share photos and a story about thin places we have visited or known. “Thin place” is a term used by ancient Celtic Christians and pagans to describe a place or time when the barrier between the natural and spiritual worlds seems to thin. In these places, people may feel close to, or experience a sense of peace and presence of, the Mystery. Thin places can be physical locations, such as sacred buildings or places in nature, or they can be mindful moments in everyday life.

Embodiment Trove:

Where we share physical activities and experiences that create an embodied connection to  the Mystery and a story about the movement/activity/experience, maybe where we first learned it, or how a spiritual experience felt in our physical body. Photos may be included.