A rule of life is an intentional, personal framework designed to guide one’s daily life in alignment with one's deepest values, spiritual beliefs, and aspirations.

Rooted in ancient monastic traditions, it’s less about rigid regulations and more about a flexible rhythm that fosters growth, balance, and a sense of purpose.

In modern practice, a rule of life serves as a compass, helping people navigate life’s demands while staying connected to what matters most.

Far from legalism, a rule of life is a living, adaptable tool, often revisited and refined, that invites mindfulness and consistency in pursuing a meaningful, grounded existence.

The Rule of Anam Cara is woven from the threads of ancient Celtic Christian spirituality and practice.

The Rule of Anam Cara offers a pathway to a life of meaning and love enriched by focus and simplicity.

By embracing these principles, we strive to live lives that reflect Jesus' love, which is enriched by the beauty and wisdom of the Celtic spiritual heritage.

We recognize and appreciate that these commitments will take different forms, emphases, and styles from person to person.

The modern Irish phrase “Listen for your life to speak" encapsulates the belief that one’s actions, choices, and character should authentically reflect one's deepest values and spiritual convictions.

Integrity is the cornerstone of the Rule, calling for a life aligned with the truth, which is best informed by reason, experience, and the teachings of the gospels.

Integrity requires following a well-formed conscience, utilizing reason, science, experience, and the wisdom of Scripture and the Christian tradition.

It demands a co-commitment to authenticity and personal wholeness, where one’s inner and outer selves are unified expressions of grace.

We must let our lives speak the truth of who we are in light of the Gospels.

The ideal of simplicity is not a negation, not a suggestion for a thin and meager life, but a life that has found its true center and is free from the entanglements that confuse and choke the soul.

Simplicity, the second commitment of the Rule, invites us to shed the burdens of excess and embrace the quiet beauty of an uncluttered life.

It demands a mindful detachment from material possessions and societal pressures, allowing space for genuine contemplation and spiritual growth.

Simplicity is not merely about outward austerity but about cultivating an inner stillness where the soul can hear the gentle song of the Divine.

The soul needs moments of retirement and concentration—times of stillness when it can gather and find its true center.

In these quiet times, we become aware of the deeper currents of life.

Mindfulness, the third commitment of the Rule, invites us to awaken to the present moment, cultivate a deep awareness of the subtle rhythms of creation—the rustling leaves, the flowing streams, and the changing seasons—and recognize them as expressions of the Divine.

It is about slowing down, quieting the inner chatter, and opening our senses to the sacred that permeates our daily lives.

Mindfulness is not merely a practice of observation but a way of engaging with the world with compassion and gratitude, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.

Availability, the fourth commitment of the Rule of Oran Mór, calls us to open our hearts and lives to the needs of others and to cultivate a spirit of hospitality, welcoming others into our lives.

This availability emphasizes the importance of presence, of offering our time, a listening ear, and a helping hand to those in need. It’s about walking side by side with others on the path of life.

This virtue recognizes that we live our lives in the shelter of others.

Availability is grounded in affirming the Divine image in every person and responding with empathy and generosity. Finally, availability means frequent participation in the Eucharist, being available to the community, and being available to the Divine.

Mercy, the fifth commitment of the Rule, flows from the heart of the gospel and asks us to conform to Jesus’ boundless compassion and forgiveness.

Inspired by the Celtic emphasis on healing and restoration, this commitment invites us to cultivate a spirit of understanding, freely offer forgiveness, and seek reconciliation in broken relationships.

Above all, it is a call to practice all the Works of Mercy and integrate them into our lives.