It looks as if the second part of our monastic day will commence with the noon meal. Having had significant trouble getting the comments screen on our previous post to even show all of what you've written (much less let me comment!), I am now beginning "part two" of our day in hopes that a new page will be more cooperative.
The 90-ish comments from the first part of the "day" will remain visible on the post just before this one, so we can read back over them whenever we want. In addition, I will attempt to copy the last few of these on this page's comment screen, so we can pick up where we left off.
To return to the Cloistered Heart blog after this visit, click on this line.
KarinannSeptember 4, 2012 10:18 AM
ReplyDeleteNancy,
I am enjoying the pace of this Monastic Day you are leading us through. Thanks for the chart of the hours. I ordered a book called The Divine Office for Dodos (as a newbie, I need all the help I can get); it has a similar chart. I love the rhythm that praying the hours brings about. Even though on a work day I can't pray all seven, the one I can really enrich my day.
Looking forward to going deeper into the Monastic day with you and all who join in here.
ReplyDelete
Karinann, I am copying your comment here (sorry I had to do it as "anonymous!) for the reason I mentioned above. Thanks so much; I'm glad the pace is agreeable. I, too, love the rhythm of the Hours (although I never manage all of them either).
DeleteI am loving spending this monastic day with all of you! It is really making a difference to share it in a back-and-forth, part-by-part basis.. it helps keep it in my awareness.
PaulaSeptember 4, 2012 10:28 AM
ReplyDeleteOh, my...so much to think about and to absorb over the past week. I've been so richly blessed with this monastic journey you've led us on, Nancy, as well as by the inputs of all. I don't quite know where to start. This past week has been a quiet yet full, sometimes hectic, spiritual journey. A coming together of many years searching and the opening of something wonderful, I believe.
I befuddled myself a bit this weekend in my excitement...wanting to read everything (ha!) and taking in more than I could really process, so I did have to step back a bit and refocus. Quiet my mind. My copy of "The Cloistered Heart" finally arrived ~ Praise Jesus! Nancy, you were reading my mind some 20+ years ago in your journaling and writing. I don't have it in front of me to pinpoint the page, but when you write about not being 'ready' initially on your journey but being ready at a later time...struck a chord. Right after "Poustinia" was published, my brother gave me a copy (I think I had just entered high school...so yes, I'm old!) and being pulled by the message but not really understanding it. Over the years I have pulled it out and while drawn to it, still not ready. Now I am understanding this...and the criss cross journey that has led me to this point is starting to make sense.
Trish ~ your beautiful writings on your blog (yes, I've been lurking) further validates all the message I am hearing and bolster the certainty that it is all right and good.
Oh, and writings of St. Frances de Sales. So, so wise, loving and gentle. I could not help but wonder this weekend as I devoured paged after page if my journey would have varied had I read his writings some 20 years ago. His writings are like food for my soul.
And Mags, I'm sorry for you computer difficulties (and the burn!) but had to laugh about all your God felt words being gobbled up....oh, but yes, I have so been there and yes, it can be a bit humbling. Praying for your safe journey and thankful for your prayers.
Mary, thank you for the further clarifications (particularly on the different names!) I have been using the button on Nancy's blog to DivineOffice.org and that is very helpful. (silly story...I tried to listen to the Evening Prayer the other night on my i-Phone (w/earphones) while sitting enjoying the quiet days end on the beach...when I realized the jack wasn't working and unbeknownst to me I had been broadcasting to all around me. Ooops. Oh, well...noone seemed to mind :)
So much lies ahead of me, I know. I am praying that I am able to keep my heart and mind open to God's will and that I have the trust and confidence to go where He would lead me.
Thanks so much, Paula, for your kind and thoughtful responses to us all!
DeleteAs you can probably tell, St. Francis de Sales provides food for my soul also, on a steady, ongoing basis. Oh, indeed.
I had a huge smile as I realized you'd broadcast evening prayer to people on the beach... who knows who might have been touched by it!!!
It's so good to have you here.
MarySeptember 4, 2012 12:48 PM
ReplyDeletePaula, You will love the book, The Cloistered Heart. And, I love how you accidentally broadcast Evening Prayer on the beach. Mags, I too hope your burn is better by now, and so happy for you and your upcoming trip. You will receive graces for years to come from it. Thank you for the prayers. And, you are a wonderful example of living the Will of God with the rearranging of your life in regards to school schedules, your burn, your computer woes, and family life. God bless you! Will keep your trip in prayer. Nancy, it was good for the reminder to watch the videos again. I'm so blessed to live 7 miles from these Sisters. I call them "my sisters". Their Monastery is my favorite place for Mass. It sure is a holy and peaceful atmosphere. Tess, You are consoling the heart of Jesus. Fr. Michael Gaitley has written a book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus. If you get a chance, maybe you can get a copy of it. I don't want to get off topic of speaking of Our Lord and our prayerful lives, but may I ask if any of you can instruct me on how to put a picture with my name? If it will be more than a sentence to explain, I'll send me email over. Thank you. Mary
Yes Mary, you are indeed blessed to live so close to the Visitation Sisters. I got homesick watching the videos again myself.... in fact, I watched them several times in a row yesterday!
DeleteI don't think it's "off topic" if someone would like to help you put a picture with your name. Besides, it's about time for "recreation" - when we can chat about this and that and five other things :)!
And for anyone knowing how to help Mary with this (I don't - my son helped me put on my picture): if Mary is not a Blogger ... would that make a difference...?
I look forward to the rest of our "monastic day!"
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for transferring my comment~oh the little quirks of Blogger :)
The thing that strikes me about recreation time in a monastery is that they understand the concept and importance of balance. Leisure time is needed, but they do it in moderation. We should as well, even and especially because we are in the world. It is the whole guarding the senses thing.
An if I were in a monastery, I would love for it to be by the sea; it is my favorite of all God's creations.
Now I am going to join those sisters in the lake :)
My happiest place is always by the water - the bigger the better. I have a dream of being a lighthouse keeper, being kept company by the ocean in all its moods and tempers. However, if I were to live in a monastery, I would love to be in the Grande Chartreuse, a Carthusian monastery in France. It sits high and silent in the mountains, surrounded by strong and ancient walls. Cow bells echo through the valley which is often dressed in mist. The whole is overlooked by mountain peaks, making it feel isolated yet protected. You may know it from the documentary Into Great Silence. It is beautiful, and somehow feels like home.
ReplyDeleteIn Way of Perfection, St. Teresa of Avila stresses the importance of recreation for her sisters. She was known to play the mandolin and sing and even dance a bit : )
ReplyDeleteHmmm...my ideal monastery would be in the middle of a forest near a stream...somewhere where it doesn't get too hot LOL!
Theresa, I have always been especially struck by St. Teresa's sense of "balance," and I thank you for telling us of her singing and dancing! Karinann, I loved what you said about the need for moderation especially because we're in the world. And Tess, my jaw has dropped open to find ANOTHER WOMAN who, like myself, has dreamed of being a lighthouse keeper!! I, too, love the company of the ocean "in all its moods and tempers." If I spend vacation time in a house by the sea, I am always disappointed if there isn't at least one good storm.
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought I was the only one who went to the beach and prayed for some rain. Most of my silent retreats have been by the sea, and I too am disappointed if God doesn't give us one good storm. I wouldn't mind the lighthouse keeping either.
DeleteWell, I'm a bit spoiled that I live by the ocean so I know what my answer *should* be, but I am increasingly drawn to the mountains and trees. And yes, with running water or a lake nearby perhaps.
ReplyDeleteOh, but Tess, your writing carries me away with a sense of calmness...yours would be a very nice place to be, indeed.
Kariann, your comments on moderation and guarding the senses speak to me. Balancing increased needs/concerns in our family, I think my husband and I have instinctively been doing just that. (Love it when we are in*sync without discussion!) Trying to maintain a healthy balance with life interactions we are commited to (ailing father-in-law, grandchildren, adult children, husband with his own chronic illnesses) yet purposely withdrawing as when we can, guarding our senses, using that time to be still, refocus.
Nancy ~ I've enjoyed the excerpts from the 'merry' book and ordered a copy for myself this morning :)
Paula I too now live by the ocean, 5 minutes walk on the North East Essex Coast in England, where we have a beach hut. Just across the water is Bradwell-on-Sea which is where St Cedd first brought Christianity to our Essex shores in the 600's. The little old beautiful chapel of St Peters on the wall is still standing today. I am also delighted as my Merry book came today, just in time for Rome. So much more fun having sisters to share with and to inspire us. I keep giggling to myself and wonder how much sneaky recreation I am currently being undisciplined by taking. 0-:O)
ReplyDeleteNancy, St Benedict stresses balance too. I really need this daily reminder. When I first became and oblate, one of the hardest things I had to learn was to drop my work and come to prayer when it was time to pray and to return to work or recreation when prayer was done. It has since become a natural ebb and flow but it's been a hard lesson because I was used to keeping at a task till it was done.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for where I'd be if I was in the monastery...( oh I do dream about it occasionally : ) It would be in the mountains..but near the sea, near the grandeur of creation from both views so I could praise Him in all His Glory.
I've enjoyed all the posts this week.
Blessings and +
What marvelous monastery dreams from everyone! I feel calmed and rested as I read every one of them after a very busy day. Your glorious images are nothing short of poetic to me... a monastery built in antique treetops, by the ocean, with a waterfall nearby.... a lighthouse... a mountain monastery... even the Grande Chartreuse! I received 3 copies of Into Great Silence as gifts the Christmas after it came out (my friends knnooow what I like !).
ReplyDeleteMy ideal monastery would have the elements all of you mentioned. I'd like it to be an old building, a bit on the dark side, the sort of place that just "needs" a thunderstorm lurking about. There would be lots of beeswax candles all around, and the thick old walls would be saturated with incense....
Ahhhh...
Oooh yes, a pond with ducks that we could feed during afternoon recreation. Hmm... maybe I'd like my monastery to be in the northern US, where LOONS could find a home in the pond and call across the water on summer nights. And there would be dense woods fragranced with pine... and there'd be birches of course, and graceful willows by the pond. And we'd be able to see all of it from our cell windows, and our hearts would positively swell with praise to God for His marvelous works.
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteThat priest gave good advice for the Cloistered Heart. I love the excerpts you cited in today's post. So true, if we are not seeking Christ, then other "gods" will surely creep in, and that is one slippery slope I would not wish to slide down! Any other recommended reading about consecrated orders you might suggest? (besides the ones you have already cited.)
Karinann, Father's advice was exactly the foundation needed at the time. He is a wise, holy priest who has much education and experience in such matters, and I thank God for that initial influence.
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorite volumes on monastic life are listed on my stand-alone "library" page on the cloistered heart blog. I copied and pasted them here, however, so you can see them without going back there. There are other books I've found helpful, and maybe in the next few days I can dig up titles and insert them. Unfortunately, some of the following are older titles and are out of print.. but some can still be found.
Here's what I have:
The Meaning of the Monastic Life by Lois Bouyer; P.J. Kenedy; 1950
Poustinia by Catherine de Hueck Doherty; Ave Maria Press; 1975
A Right to be Merry by Mother Mary Francis PCC
Warriors of God by Walter Nigg; Alfred A. Knopf; 1959
La Trappe in England by a Religious of Holy Cross Abbey; 1937
Hermitage by John Michael Talbot; Crossroad; 1989
Vision of Peace by Wilfrid Tunink OSB, 1963
The Yoke of Divine Love; Templegate; 1957
Nancy,
DeleteForgive my late thank you for this list of books. Life for this cloistered heart has gotten a bit more hectic lately. Perhaps that is why God has given me the gift of the Divine Office at this particular time; I am finding those hours I am able to pray it most peaceful and calming. The title by Michael Talbot (love his music) has caught my eye. I have been reading the Plan of Life for a "laura" (community) of diocesan hermits who live not too far from me~ very interesting and beautiful. I may have to make a retreat with them someday soon.
Thanks again and God bless.
"Do I really want to seek the living person of God?" What a telling question! Sometimes I am ashamed of the answer to that, which often is "Well, yes, of course I do... but right now what I really want is (fill in the blank - usually read this book, watch this movie, buy this whatever... you know the kind of distracting and oh so tempting thing I mean!)"
ReplyDeleteThinking about the answer to that question, I realize that each portion of the monastic day is necessary. They each strengthen and facilitate the other. If I spend a portion of each day in study, my heart and mind will be more likely to recognize "the person of God" and also be less inclined to turn elsewhere.
I'm so pleased you have Catherine Doherty's Poustinia on your list! I don't have a cabin in the woods to make my poustinia, but sometimes I pretend my livingroom is one, and assign myself a period of absolute silence.
Thank you very much, Mags and Tess. I'm again having trouble with this screen at times... anyone else? (I hope not!)
ReplyDeleteTess, I do know the distractions. Things of the world are so RIGHT HERE BEFORE US, aren't they?! And I love Poustinia, although I haven't read it in ages. Time for a re-read!
Nancy, thank you so much for this place of peace, where Our Lord surely feels most welcome...to come and rest among those who love Him.
ReplyDeleteWhat joy I find in seeing the unique beauty of each soul which shares her heart here..no two alike. It is truly breathtaking. Like flowers...I think you mentioned somewhere. I want to be all of them at once, because each is so precious in her own way.
I was simply mesmerized by the former page...the one where so many shared their prayer practices. I love seeing that no two souls are alike...and yet each is His Image. Beautiful!
And you, Nancy, are so gifted at letting your own iight illumine the others, rather than yourself. God bless you and thank you for this heavenly place xo
One thing that I am overwelmingly aware of right now is that being fully in Christ, means letting go of self. Letting go of my own will, my ego (ouch, that can be hard!) and the need to be in control. As one who is a natural born caretaker and solver of all problems (even those that are not my own!), and likewise one who has been a 'caretaker' in the literal sense for the last eight years or more, letting go of my will and ego does not come naturally.
ReplyDeleteCaretaking has really tested my resolve in those areas. Many times I have been able to let go, but perhaps more often than not I professed faith and trust in God but then plowed ahead on my own fixing (well, trying to!) and caring for, in a desperate attempt to keep everything under control and everyone well cared for. In being drawn to the cloistered heart I know I will be challenged in those areas particularly.
What is also on my mind is learning how to live in a heart monastry but still stay present in my life and to those around me. This week I have found myself many times mentally praying "Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, a sinner." AND "Lord, I put my faith and trust in you." (Not really hedging my bets but more like covering all bases!) Thank you, Nancy and Theresa for leading me to those simple prayers. I (try to) pray them rather that blurting out what may have come to mind in the past, a reply that may not really be necessary, advice that may not be solicited, or an opinion which may not help the situation.
Through our tour of the monastic day, I'm learning that I need to more fully balance my prayer life throughout the day, adding a bit more structure. And that it will be a continual learning and growing process. And that it's not going to happen overnight. Between scriptural reading, my growing list of books (thank you for the reading list!) and the community of like minded hearts, I believe a firm foundation is being laid.
My heart feels full and without worry that I am being led to the next step. Praying for grace and wisdom in dealing with the rest of the world :) and that I may be open to all that is before me.
ReplyDeleteI have been away from our monastery for a few days due to circumstances beyond my control, so I am playing "catch up" now. I am a little behind you all, but I read The Bell Again this morning...Oh how delighted I was to know that the sweet sisters were going to have cheese sauce with the upcoming meal after having only a piece of toast or fruit for breakfast...being from the South, we are all about the food and I was getting a little worried there. I knew that the piece of toast would have to have tomato gravy on it at least...ha
In all seriousness..I loved this blog today and the prespective on praying at all times in all ways..standing in line, waiting for cars at the light, etc...I have done this before, but I am now more keenly aware of the power we have with our prayer while waiting in the doctor's office while doing our everyday ordinary tasks..what a beautiful habit to develop and to think that we might possibly be the only one offering prayers at that time..also when you consider the secular world and the little prayer and praise that is probably going to Our Lord from there, it makes it quite a responsibility for us...to think that we could be the only one consoling the heart of Jesus at that moment..I am in the process of reading this book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus, and it really makes you think..and also know that we can actually ask Jesus for the mercy that He offers others and they refuse. What a wonderful gift that is. Thank you, Nancy for this profound thought and I will try to be more aware of offering prayers at these daily moments. While we are not called by the bell and stop what we are doing that very second rushing silently into the Chapel for prayer, we can train ourselves to not just sit or stand aimlessly by but to use that precious moment to send a prayer Heavenward for those who never think to do so...
ps..I wonder if there will be dessert with the meal?????? ha
Oh My...the post on Turnips for Potatoes...how hilarious. This has to be a monastery in the South, only there would they take their meal so seriously...ha
ReplyDeleteThat made me laugh and also think about what an act of sacrificial submission that would be for me, personally, as I LOVE potatoes but not so much turnips..I also ordered the book, A Right to be Merry and I can't wait to read it after reading the quote on this post..
I also realized the little sacrifices that we can make in seemingly small ways that are precious to Our Lord. I am using Fridays as my fasting day.. a piece of dry toast instead of with jelly or a piece of sausage, coffee with no sugar(yuck), nothing between meals..lunch/supper of something uninteresting..maybe in small ways I can offer this to Jesus to console His heart and to follow more the monastic way of life. Baby steps for sure, but moving forward. God Bless
Yes, I loved the Turnips for Potatoes post too! So funny!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be in a convent in the mountains. Last year I had the opportunity to go on a retreat in the mountains, and it was glorious. Well, eventually - I don't travel well and I had a terrible panic attack the first day, but by the second day I was at peace.
I can't wait to read more about a monastic day.
Susan
I am not replying to INDIVIDUAL comments much now, because this is such a rich discussion between everyone.. between all of as we share back and forth. I am struck and challenged by the REALNESS of it all, as we each strive day after day to live for God in the midst of the world.
ReplyDeleteI think of recipe blogs. I've seen some and they're lovely, but I don't read them on a regular basis because I am not a good cook (trust me on this), I burn everything (including, today - me), and I'm not gifted nor committed enough to do more than just get by.
But here, I am - and you are - committed. We want to do more for God than just "get by." We are gifted, by Him, with all we need to move forward toward living for Him in the circumstances of our lives.
It's like we're trading "tips toward sanctity," maybe a bit like some trade cooking suggestions. "This is working for me, this isn't..."
I'm learning so much here in the parlor; I am being challenged. I wake up with a zeal to get going yet another day, to listen for the bells, to pray more, to hand over my ego minute by minute, to remember to find ways to console the Heart of Jesus in the activities of this day.
Thanks be to God! And on we go.................
Great post on the *choir stall* today. I am at work now and am blessed to be *enclosed* in my own little section in the hospital as well as working by myself. I have monastic chant on in the background : ) Helps keep me focused.
ReplyDeleteTheresa...I immediately had a vision of you in this little closed off, isolated "cubby hole"...it may not be that way in fact, but I have seen those before and have always wondered what that would be like to be confined and closed into a windowless, lifeless area, separated from co-workers and activity with only a desk, phone and computer and maybe a glimmer of light coming from some personal photos or "my stuff" all day as I anxiously await the first coffee break. Would the isolation and solitude devour me or would I eventually get used to it and adopt it as my own? Now that I am learning more and more about the cloistered heart, I think that I would treasure this space...my own personal choir stall.. there I would enjoy the isolation, the separation from others and be more aware of God in my life..I could pray for others and devote my time and talents to the One who gave them to me. He has me there for a reason and a season.
DeleteI am doing better with praying while waiting in doctor's offices, lines, etc, and even while traveling which I have been doing a lot lately..I pray for the drivers on the highway with me...especially the 18 wheeler drivers...don't know why, but that is something that was placed on my heart a long time ago. So to answer my own question, I think that I would rather come to love and be perfectly content in my little "cubby hole"...my "choir stall" in the world and thank God for using me in it. God Bless us all...especially the 18 wheeler drivers...
Thank you, Theresa. That sounds like a good set-up, and how perfect that you can have monastic chant!!
ReplyDeleteA choir stall in my heart-I love that!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo, Miss Nancy. Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?
ReplyDeleteI do indeed, Miss Tess, especially when they're embroidered on handkerchiefs (i.e. tissues that you don't throw away)
DeleteColleen, you are blessed to be where you can hear church bells! (we don't have them). I pray we will please God with our lives.
ReplyDelete"Deo Gratias" Ahh, but I should be so gracious every time someone knocks on my door. This is a gentle reminder for me. :)
ReplyDelete"Deo Gratias" is a reminder to me too, Paula. And in fact, your mentioning it makes me more aware of it than ever - so thanks!
ReplyDeleteTo work is to pray. The praying sure makes the work go nice and easy. I heard my bell (the chimes of my grandfather clock) for 3:00 PM and put down my window washing "stuff" to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. And now a little recreation on this site (with some ice cream) to give my shoulders and arms a break. I love what St. Francis de Sales said "I would prefer you suffer the pain of labor rather than that of fasting." Back to finish that very last window.
ReplyDeleteForgot to end my last post with Laborare est Orare.
ReplyDelete(I notice that the time on my computer is accurate, however, it is way off when posted?) Not that it matters, just wonder.
Mary, I know your windows are now nice and sparkly!
ReplyDeleteThis blog has "thought" I was in a different time zone. I asked one of my kids tonight (I hadn't been able to figure out how to adjust that) and ta-daa: now maybe it won't appear that we've all been writing each other at 3:00 in the morning!
What would we do without them. My son helped me figure out how to get my much desired picture next to my name (well, I hope it shows up when I press publish, as this is the first time to see if I did it correctly). 6:00 AM my bells (clock chime) called me to Angelus. Off for Liturgy.
DeleteBlessings for a beautiful day. Mary
And a perfect picture it is, Mary :)! And you are starting your day in a perfect way!
Delete"I find a heaven in the midst of saucepans and brooms." St. Stanislaus Kostka ~ I really like this one :) For years now I have tried to make my labors in the home a labor of love. And, of course, some days I succeed, some days I fail miserably. But thought is/has been put into process. Now...the job that supports my family, my 'day job', not so much. That I need to work on. With our walk through the monastic day I am getting a little better at this, as I try to make a more focused effort to pray during even the most mundane tasks (we all have those, right?!) and to pray as I work (probably in my head, and not aloud, as my coworkers sit fairly close!)
ReplyDelete"He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands." St. Bernard
What beautiful words and words that I will try keep close to me today. Thank you for these gentle reminders to slow down, and work and pray with focus and intention. Truly one of the (many) gifts of our monastic tour.
Paula, I also really like the quote about finding heaven in the midst of saucepans and brooms. I've also been thinking a lot, during our long "day," about how we do so in the midst of keyboards and chattering coworkers as well. We will be speaking of this (hint: I really think there's another monastic day to follow upon this one, wherein we may zero more deeply in on particular aspects and "applications"), and I hope you will be able to share your perspective with us all.
ReplyDeleteNancy...I was reading *The Philosophy of Solitude* in Thomas Merton's *Disputed Questions* and I thought of you while I was reading it. If you can get your hands on a copy from the library, it's worth the read. I am not reading all the topics but just the ones the Spirit is leading me to. Merton has such a strong sense of what it is to be a solitary and how it is possible even in the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Theresa, for the recommendation. The possibilities of "in the world" are where my thoughts are turning next, with more specific emphasis I think. Well, my blog-thoughts. My "always thoughts" have been on monasticism in the world for years, even if my "always actions" don't follow suit at every (or hardly any??) turn!! Not wanting to make posts toooooo long, I have stuck more to looking at the day IN the monastery... but after all, "tomorrow is another day!" (says Sister Mary Scarlett O'Hara??), and now am thinking more in earnest about practical "applications" and the real nitty gritty of it all. I hope you will (all) share, in our "next day," more about how this works for you.
ReplyDeleteBut we still are in THIS "day," and the monastic evening is before us...
Joy, your response to Theresa (about 20 "comments" above !) is so in line with the "practical applications" I now envision us heading toward that I hope you don't mind that I copy and paste it here, in case anyone popping in hasn't read that far back up the page.
ReplyDeleteJoy wrote, in part: (I) "... always wondered what that would be like to be confined and closed into a windowless, lifeless area, separated from co-workers and activity with only a desk, phone and computer and maybe a glimmer of light coming from some personal photos or "my stuff" all day as I anxiously await the first coffee break. Would the isolation and solitude devour me or would I eventually get used to it and adopt it as my own? Now that I am learning more and more about the cloistered heart, I think that I would treasure this space...my own personal choir stall.. there I would enjoy the isolation, the separation from others and be more aware of God in my life..I could pray for others and devote my time and talents to the One who gave them to me. He has me there for a reason and a season."
"I am doing better with praying while waiting in doctor's offices, lines, etc, and even while traveling which I have been doing a lot lately..I pray for the drivers on the highway with me...especially the 18 wheeler drivers...don't know why, but that is something that was placed on my heart a long time ago. So to answer my own question, I think that I would rather come to love and be perfectly content in my little "cubby hole"...my "choir stall" in the world and thank God for using me in it. God Bless us all...especially the 18 wheeler drivers..."
Thanks from all of us, Joy!!
Sister Mary Scarlett O'Hara ~ I have always been fond of her :) As to practical applications of living with a cloistered heart, I had a wonderful start to my day, in the 'chapel' of my home early this morning. Up (way too) early, in the quiet of the morning I was able to spend time with Scripture, a few pages with St. Frances de Sales, AND listened to the podcast of morning prayers. While enjoying a hot cup of coffee. In my favorite mug.
ReplyDeleteAnd then the reality of the rest of my day hit....at work. I struggled all morning, let me tell you. There was a whole lot of mental praying going on. :) I really felt like I was put to the test this morning and I may, or may not, have received a passing grade! Whew!
Yes, practicall applications of the cloistered heart. That is definitely high on my list! :)
Paula, your monastic morning sounds quite ideal. I'm so sorry it was followed by struggles at work. That's how things are in the world, it seems. I know there are struggles in monastic life as well, but perhaps they are different ones??? (??) (???)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Well, I would imagine so, at least. :) And really, as challenging as any one day at work may be for me might be, it really does all need to be kept in perspective, right? Could the challenges in monastic life perhaps be loneliness, boredom, irritation?
ReplyDeleteBut yes, a wonderful monastic morning. And truthfully, I could have that every morning if I made a focused intention to do so. But the bigger challenge for me will be carrying that morning forward with me all day long. Mental prayer is a hugely important part of that. From waiting in the Dr's office with Joy :) to sitting at my desk, dealing with annoyances and frustrating situations. Just like 'real life' (which I actually consider my life outside of work!) can be. Full of distractions, irritations and problems needing to be addressed. So easy, really, if I could just remember! As soon as I start a simple mental prayer, I am immediately brought to where I need to be, with my emotions in check, able to more simply view the given moment ~ through the grille and in love. Prayer. Asking for God's mercy, as well as wisdom and the grace to move through the day in His will.
Today I will start fresh (again!) Isn't our God a Glorious God, that He let's us start fresh, everyday?!
I am a rusher. I hurry through tasks, praising myself for being efficient, but in fact I'm simply rushing through what I'm doing, already looking ahead at what needs doing next. There is no enjoyment in that, and very little chance of it being prayerful.
ReplyDeleteThese glimpses into a monastic day are settling into my heart, slowing me down - calming me down, actually. A steady, measured pace is very attractive. A disciplined approach to daily activities is reassuring because I know everything will get done in its proper time. I've written out the quote from St. Francis de Sales about making haste slowly, accepting the duties that come our way and taking them one by one. Thank you for that.
Thank you for leading us through this monastic day, Nancy. Sometimes have temptations to wonder if I was "supposed to be" a nun instead of a married lady (especially on the days that I'm starting to despair that God will ever send me children). My favorite point that I have read so far in this monastic day is from the post about Afternoon Prayer (My Choir Stall): "My "choir stall" is both permanent and portable. My designated prayer place is the choir stall of my heart. So: while boiling water, shuffling files in an office, diapering the baby, I can praise God."
ReplyDeleteImportant things for me to remember in my daily life.
Love the shrimp quote!!!!
ReplyDeletePAULA, I am struck by your word "focused" - making a FOCUSED intention. I think I'll take that one word with me into this busy day. Interesting how one word can sometimes be a real help - at least it can be for me. And I, too, find it wonderful of our glorious God to let us start fresh, everyday!
ReplyDeleteTESS, I love what you said about rushing. I am like you in finding a measured, steady pace attractive.. and it is about as far from my personality as one could find. I wonder if that's why I crave it?
JEANNE, thank you for what you said about the choir stall. When it occurred to me, some years ago, that I could have a "choir stall in my heart," it made a real difference.. just to think of that at various times during any given day. I thank God for the choir stalls in our hearts!
ANNE, I was looking for a little something "light" for "dessert" (!), so went straight to A Right to be Merry. I could just envision the very practical Sister declaring how very handy it was that the shrimp was not wasted!
A SUGGESTION: if you have a minute, check out http://www.thefemininegift.org/ - Tess, you have summed it up wonderfully. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteRushing and focus. Two excellent things to ponder. I find myself rushing too, trying to get everything done (that is on my list). My list might not be what God wants for me on a particular day. To focus is a good thing to practice - hummm -- which virtue would that fall under? Maybe perseverence in sticking to the task without rushing? I don't know, but I like that word - FOCUS - and its meaning. It makes me think of something Fr. Dan (I worked for him for awhile) always said. He would say, when you are walking out of the pace of peace, stop because you probably aren't walking with the Lord. Walk in the pace of peace. Ahhh, thank you for this blog and website, and words of wisdom, sisters. I had a challenging and "rushing" type day. To come here brings me back to peace - to quit the rushing and back to focusing on Our Lord (and praying for you all). Praise God!
ReplyDeleteMary, I am taking to heart (and keeping) Father's wise advice about the pace of peace. Wow, that's wonderful - thank you for sharing it. I have walked out of it, oh, so many times. Ooops, wrong tense. I DO walk out of it, oh, so many times.
DeleteIn the post on Supper..I find once again that I am faced with meals/food or the lack there of. I guess you can all see where my stuggle with temptation is (I'm the one who wanted tomato gravy on my piece of dry toast).. well, that and getting up at the crack of dawn..
ReplyDeleteThis quote,"It is no small penance to accommodate our taste to all kinds of food and keep it in subjection to all occurrences. Besides, this kind of mortification makes no parade, gives no trouble to anyone, and is happily adapted to civilian life." (St. Francis de Sales) is eye opening for me as I can see it as a sacrifice and mortification and one that should be done in private and with no fanfair..where I, personally, would normally be like the young woman (Sister Sarah Berhardt) in the image that appeared some time ago who had dramatically flung herself across the swooning couch over some "horrible" issue that had taken place. I would probably want everyone to know what suffering I was enduring with my empty stomach.
I always felt like I was doing "alright" by the fact that I did not smoke or drink, etc...and that if my only vice was the enjoyment of planning, preparing and eating meals, I was not too "bad", but I may have to take a second look at this now and realize after reading the quotes on food that my spiritual life is nourished by spiritual food and that over eating is not what the Good Lord wants for me but to turn to Him and His word in my times of hunger..I think that I have been putting too much importance on my meals instead of focusing on My Lord. This is my downfall, the thorn in my side. The spirit is willing indeed, but the flesh is weak..This is a good lesson for me and one that I will certainly take into prayer and consideration..Please keep me in your prayers, Sisters... God Bless you all
Joy what a beautifully written and honest post. I know writing about ourselves so personally can be very humbling. And very freeing, I think. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your struggles. I believe many of us can probably understand or relate to you on this subject.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, through our walk to our monastic day I have had a sense of coming full circle in my life, coming home if you will. On too many levels to write about just now. But trust me, it has been a long trip. :)
But food has certainly been a part of that, with misplaced emphasis. Growing up in a large, Irish Catholic family of very modest means, food was for nourishment. Plain, simple and 'enough' for a family of eight. Somewhere along the lines, it began to gain more importance, more than it deserved. Dishes a little more complicated, more packaged and ready to serve foods on our table, more snacks and goodies. Those things that were once a 'treat' became an everyday expectation. Everyone overate. Many of us turned to food to comfort.
Here in my home, as a matter of health, finances and in our quest for simplicity, we have made a very concerted effort to put food back where it needs to be in our lives ~ plain, simple and nourishing. It's been a slow process but not an altogether unpleasant one. It tied very nicely into buying fresh, buying local, supporting our community. And this stop in our monastic day is showing me that it can/should be brought to yet another level, a spiritual level.
I love that you are willing to turn your struggles over to God and ask him to guide you in refocusing your energies to spiritual food for nourishment rather than physical food (I, too, have draped myself once or twice on the swooning couch, so I know of which you speak!) Praying today that your journey here is guided by the grace of God and the prayerful support of your sisters and brothers in Christ.
Thank you so much, Paula, for the words of inspiration and truth...will you come and live with me??? ha.. You could be my coach, that still small voice in my ear reminding me of what I need more...that donut or some time in prayer with my Lord. I am sure that in the monastery the sweet sisters have their own individual struggles and temptations, as they are human also, and surely must turn to others in the cloister in confidence and seeking their support and prayer. You are kind, and it touches me for you to share your story..It is uplifting and encouraging. It is nice to have another be so understanding especially when your husband, who is as thin as a rail and never had a weight problem, cannot comprehend someone not having the control to just push away from the table. You have made my day and I will let your words ring in my ears. I may be able to march right past that swooning couch now!! God is so good..all the time. Again thank you...God bless you, my sister
DeleteJoy, "Sister Sarah Bernhardt" wanting everyone to know about her misery is a good segue into the "topics" I listed on last night's post - about what conversations might be like in the world vs. in the monastery. It dawned on me yesterday that chatter at monastic recreation would not include complaining about my woes, interruptions of cell phones, or gossip. And then it dawned on me that I don't HAVE to include those in my conversations with others out here in the world either (big revelation!)!. Hmmm. Wonder how much I could get for my "swooning couch" if I put it in a yard sale...
ReplyDeleteOooh, did I need that post on work. My job and I are not friends at all. I need to work on my attitude at work and be thankful (especially with so many unemployed people who would love to have any job, even mine) and do my job as if Christ had asked me to do it.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Nancy, thank you so much for this beautiful, secluded place. When things in my life are difficult and hurtful, this is where I come for solace. Thank you and may God bless you.
ReplyDeleteJean, thank you so much... there really are no words to say how much I thank you for saying this.
DeleteI am headed out to Mass in a few minutes, and there I will ask Our Lord to bless each and every one of you here - the ones who are commenting, and the ones who are reading along. May Our Lord keep us all in His precious will.
And now we are headed toward another monastic day!