Advice on confinement from an Ampleforth monk

Fr Chad Boulton of Ampleforth Abbey was interviewed on BBC Radio York after devising a set of useful guidelines to help people cope with isolation and confinement at this unsettling time.

Fr Chad’s ‘commandments of confinement’:

1.       don’t fret if things aren’t perfect - take the long view

2.       don’t keep checking the greener grass - flourish where you are planted

3.       don’t panic - remember that you are standing on solid ground

4.       don’t stamp your foot – tread lightly with a humble humour

5.       don’t be a martyr - freely offer your help

6.       don’t be too proud - muck in and get your hands dirty

7.       don’t force the pace - learn how to rest and relax together

8.       don’t try too hard – find some time just for yourself

9.       don’t focus on the faults of others  - celebrate what they have that you don’t

10.     don’t try to do this alone - pray for and with each other