Rule of Life

The purpose of a ‘Rule of life’ is to intentionally lay out the way you want to live your life.

What is important to you?
What are your values?
How do you want to spend your time?

Rule of life is not only relevant to the monastic tradition (as evidenced in St Benedict’s rule): the principles can be used by anyone who is concerned about how they live their lives and then provide markers and guidelines, inspired by the Spirit, to help them on their journey towards God and discipleship.

While the word “rule” may appear restrictive and legalistic, the Latin word we translate “rule” was originally the word for a trellis in a vineyard. Just as a vine or plant needs a trellis to lift it off the ground so it can be fruitful and keep free of predators and diseases, we need a rule as a kind of support structure to organise our life.

We all already have a rule of life. A way of life. We just may not have been intentional about naming it and then editing it. Crafting your own personal rule of life will be a spiritual practice that will make you reflect on not only the life you currently live but the life you want to live.

If you want to delve into this deeper we highly recommend ‘Crafting a Rule of Life‘ by Stephen Macchia. I had the privilege of sitting down with him for a conversation about how do we begin the process which you can watch below.