Includes bibliographical references.

A note about language -- An introduction: from Bernard's Valley to Merton's Mountain -- Charism: a gift from God (with a Greek accent) -- Sacred stories: remembering who we truly are -- Formation: you are the potter, I am the clay -- Humility: down-to-earth spirituality -- Hospitality: welcoming Christ, welcoming others -- Compassion and community: where two or three are gathered -- Prayer and liturgy: the rhythm of the day -- Contemplation: the star of the sea -- Conversion of life: a promise for all time -- Stability: blooming where we're planted -- Perseverance: living a (lay) Cistercian life -- A final word.