Monasteries follow strict rules. Good for those who fit these rules but monasteries are far from a place for people who don’t fit.
replyI may have missed something though - I don’t see how is that related to the linked article.
Fit into wider society. If someone has sensory issues, then a monastery would be a more peaceful place. Some people like set routine as well.
replyI guess. Some monasteries were located in busy towns, had bells, chants, animals, workshops, etc. But if you found a place that was a good fit, and the monastery didn’t dislike you for other reasons (e.g. being left handed), then yes. Otherwise there were other peaceful occupations; from highly specialized crafts to literal hermits.
replyAnd there hasn’t really been a replacement for that in modern times. This is a problem.
replyFWIW, "lay monasteries" and hermitages exist, and there are some religious ones which are not strict about who wants to join, the Bose monastic community[0] comes to mind talking of christianity, but there's plenty for other religions.
replyThe place is called "the internet" today.
replyWorship at the altar of free software.
replyThere are still places like Slab City, California (the desert town with no laws). That kind of place is not for me though. I like neighbors who mind their own business, but I still need some amount of law and order.
replyThere are still plenty of religious cults out there if that is your thing, probably more than have ever been. Otherwise the "misfits" are nowdays also organizing themself to indeed fit somewhere and don't just accept to be outcasts.
replySorry, but the whole concept of "place for people who don't fit" - is really not appropriate for monasteries in general. Because they have been very strict about who can fit. Only those who are fine with this special lifestyle and fixed rituals (and fixed hierachy and dogma). And most monks had to adopt to accept, whether they liked it or not, as the alternative was starving.