Cloister Doorway

Originally, most cathedrals did not stand alone—
      they were one part of a larger monastery complex.
Other parts included the monks’ residences, dining and kitchen facilities,
      meeting rooms, and storerooms.
In the middle of this compound, uniting it all, was the cloister.
This was usually a four-sided, semi-enclosed structure,
      built around an open garden.
The cloister helped keep the monks secluded from the world.
It also protected them from the elements
      as they moved from one part of the monastery to another.
Not uncommonly monks used this area for quiet contemplation.
This photograph shows one corner of the cloister
      at the cathedral in Norwich, England,
            its windowed door opening out.
The original door would have been very heavy, made of thick, solid wood,
      serving to both protect and isolate this space inside.
What are we to make of today’s flimsy door?
Is it designed to let the outside in?
Or is it readily releasing what’s inside so it can infuse the world?
I hold that if you gaze into this photograph long enough,
      you’ll know.