Kim- I like your keen observation on the monastic 'awareness' as opposed to island vibe. What stood out to me in the monastic lifestyle is really the willingness to do the monotonous, even to the point of boredom (which is a word that exists only because of lack of better depiction). This willingness I think is one of the things that really bring that acute awareness. In monotony, the mind and being has no other option but to focus on things outside, underneath, inside, and beyond said monotony. It really is quite beautiful.
Kim- I like your keen observation on the monastic 'awareness' as opposed to island vibe. What stood out to me in the monastic lifestyle is really the willingness to do the monotonous, even to the point of boredom (which is a word that exists only because of lack of better depiction). This willingness I think is one of the things that really bring that acute awareness. In monotony, the mind and being has no other option but to focus on things outside, underneath, inside, and beyond said monotony. It really is quite beautiful.