Most people would probably be surprised at the variety in the daily rhythm of a Carmelite. Daily Mass is a festive celebration. One hour of quiet, solitary prayer in the morning and one in the early evening hold a privileged position distinctive of St. Teresa's reform. There is prayer together, four times a day, when we sing and recite the Liturgy of the Hours. Its rich texts feed and form us through the Psalms, other passages of scripture and the seasons of the liturgical year.
Prayer becomes an attitude, a reverent approach to all of life.
It is being present to what I am doing, making choices directed to the one for whom I am living. The work of our day may be connected with maintenance of the monastery or its fine vegetable garden and other grounds. It may involve activity in the liturgical arts department or clerical work for the Diocese done within the monastery. Recreation may be lively conversation at the evening meal or exercise in the spacious yard or spending time with a favorite book or hobby. All these elements combine to form a daily and weekly schedule that has an in-built flexibility, meant to honor both individual differences and our common calling.