The Out-of-Context Nun of Displacement

THE OUT-OF-CONTEXT NUN OF DISPLACEMENT

Every once in while we encounter someone, including ourself, who simply doesn't fit in anywhere. It's not so much the clothes, in this case a nun's various habits, but far more the situations. A piccolo player pretty much doesn't have a place in a rock band. No matter how hard she tries.

And, one of the main problems, in a situation like this, are all of the ready-made tailors, who are quick to suggest we step into the Fitting Room of Really Somethingness for some tailoring and adjusting.

"You will look and feel great when we get done fitting you, ma'am," the tailor exclaims with chirpiness.  "You just need to do this or that, and you will be like all the rest of us! Happy as a bird!" Birds, of course, have all sorts of challenges in life, but that seems inappropriate to mention when staring into The Mirror of the Chirpy Tailor. But the Nun is thinking that.

The Out-of-Context Nun of Displacement simply sighs at the sight in the mirror. The makeover doesn't fit. Never does. But then again, this is her destiny.

The reason it is her destiny, forever dissatisfied with herself and her place in the world, is simple: the world is often an entirely dissatisfying place. So she is being entirely true to her nature. And to Nature.

But this can be excruciatingly challenging, particularly when she looks around and sees so many people fulfilled by family or careers, happy and bubbly, all full of 'Zip a dee doo dah'. Maybe they've all drank the Kool-Aid, she wonders. But what if they haven't? Or have?

The Out-of-Context Nun of Displacement often finds her self living in a cell of solitary confinement which, for her, is not necessarily always beneficial. Thus, joining a "Holy Order of Becoming a Little More, Rather than Less" can bring her closer to the world of satisfaction. 

That's because The Monastery of Nothingness provides free weekly hayrides into the Nothingness, where all is well and The Out-of-Context Nun of Displacement finds herself -not necessarily for the first time.

The Scholarly Nun of Creeds

THE SCHOLARLY NUN OF CREEDS

Deep within the academic branch of The Monastery of Nothingness is an unrenowned tributary of considerable influence within the Order. Like a good rug, good academics tie many of our monastic rooms together. Thus and therefore, an essential woman of letters is The Scholarly Nun of Creeds.

The Scholarly Nun of Creeds is a woman of profundity. Her role is to navigate the boggy, oozing morass of 'belief', all the while manifesting The Holy Ground of Neutrality.  

Belief is a fickle mistress, demanding utter loyalty, even in the face of overwhelming odds to the contrary. The Scholarly Nun of Creeds doesn't dispute belief. She recognizes its existence, and acknowledges the passion that accompanies it. 

But she is vigilant and patient, understanding the obligatory nature of the slavery of belief. Belief can only be communicated within its own language, and The Scholarly Nun of Creeds is a master linguist.

An advanced student of Comparative Beliefs and Foregone Conclusions, The Scholarly Nun of Creeds fills a vital role in the Necessary Room of Flushed Suppositions.

The Nun of That

THE NUN OF THAT

This is a very sensitive position within the Order. It's sensitive because it requires a delicate touch.

Monastics and non-monastics around the world, both living and dead, are often quick to declare something right or wrong. Particularly when someone else is wrong. It just feels so good to vanquish our enemies - once again flexing our superior, smart and amazing awesomeness.

In issues of right and wrong, and in times of 'freedom of expression' and particularly of judgment, opinions fly through the air like angry swarms of mosquitoes. The Nun of That is a person whose role is to help stop that. She eradicates the itchy bites of judgment.

The Nun of That, however, is cast a tough hand: she has to help prevent judgment - without judging. She has to help neutralize the world of right and wrong - without accusing others of being right or wrong. Or of being smugly self-righteous in her own secret thoughts. Not easy.

She's a rare find, a high-wire acrobat of the eternal. Her nunly one-room cottage resides quietly between the forest and the field, sitting in the center of a still pond. It's a fine line and delicate balance - living in the vast, unknown world that lies between right and wrong.

So, the Nun of That is also about More of This.