A former nun explains why she ran away from her 'Cloistered' life

Catherine Coldstream began a profound spiritual journey when she entered a Carmelite monastery at the age of 24. For 12 years, she committed herself to a cloistered existence, which meant living a life of intense devotion, strict routine, and very limited interaction with the outside world. Her days were structured around continuous prayer, silent contemplation, and unyielding obedience to the monastic order's rules. This demanding environment is chosen by those seeking a deeper connection to their faith through separation from secular distractions.

However, after more than a decade within these secluded walls, Catherine made the significant decision to leave. Her departure, described in her own words as 'running away' by the title of her forthcoming book, hints at the challenges and internal struggles she faced. Leaving such a structured and all-encompassing life is often a difficult process, involving a re-evaluation of one's calling and identity. Her memoir, titled "Cloistered: My Years as a Nun," will offer readers a unique window into this rarely seen world and the complex reasons behind her decision.

The book will likely explore themes such as the psychological impact of intense isolation, the evolving nature of personal faith, and the desire for a different form of freedom and connection. Catherine's story is not just about leaving a religious order; it's about the courage to redefine one's life path and share the experience with others, providing insight into a choice many find hard to comprehend. Her narrative promises to illuminate the human experience within a life dedicated to spiritual devotion, and the profound journey of finding one's authentic self outside of it.