Finding Sanctuary

Finding Sanctuary was authored by Christopher Jamison, the Abbot of Worth Abbey, and first published in 2006. The book emerged following the success of the BBC television series The Monastery, which chronicled the lives of five men who spent forty days living with the monks at Worth Abbey. It was written to translate the ancient wisdom of Benedictine monasticism into practical, accessible advice for modern readers navigating the stresses of contemporary life.

The text focuses on concepts such as silence, listening, and humility, aiming to provide a guide for finding peace in a distracted world. Jamison sought to bridge the gap between religious tradition and secular spirituality, emphasizing that monastic principles could be applied by anyone regardless of their personal belief systems. Upon its release, the book was well-regarded for its gentle tone and clear articulation of contemplative practices, finding a broad audience beyond those typically interested in monastic literature.