Comments on: Waking Up http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/ Catholic Sisters and Nuns in Today's World Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:32:01 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2316 Sister Julie Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:54:16 +0000 http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2316 Thanks, David! Glad to meet you. That's a very cool article -- "<a href="http://www.news.wisc.edu/14944" rel="nofollow">Study shows compassion meditation changes the brain</a>" -- Compassion and kindness are both habits we must all cultivate. I'm going to bookmark that article. Thanks again. Have a blessed day. Sister J Thanks, David! Glad to meet you. That’s a very cool article — “Study shows compassion meditation changes the brain” — Compassion and kindness are both habits we must all cultivate. I’m going to bookmark that article. Thanks again. Have a blessed day. Sister J

]]> By: David http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2315 David Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:58:22 +0000 http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2315 Dear Sister Julie- I hope this message finds you in the best of health and spirits. I only recently discovered your blog, and have greatly enjoyed “surfing it.” This article is about a new scientific study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that demonstrates that meditation can be used to cultivate greater compassion and kindness. http://www.news.wisc.edu/14944 As we all can use more of those (and wisdom- but as it’s been said “What greater wisdom is there than kindness?”), I offer it here. Although the article does not describe the specifics of the meditation technique (it is derived from Buddhist practice), I am certain that the meditation, contemplation and prayer practices of many faiths accomplish the same. Just more evidence (as if it were needed) of the value of a regular prayer and meditation practice. Best regards, wishes and prayers from a new, appreciative and enthusiastic reader- David Dear Sister Julie-

I hope this message finds you in the best of health and spirits.

I only recently discovered your blog, and have greatly enjoyed “surfing it.”

This article is about a new scientific study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that demonstrates that meditation can be used to cultivate greater compassion and kindness.

http://www.news.wisc.edu/14944

As we all can use more of those (and wisdom- but as it’s been said “What greater wisdom is there than kindness?”), I offer it here.

Although the article does not describe the specifics of the meditation technique (it is derived from Buddhist practice), I am certain that the meditation, contemplation and prayer practices of many faiths accomplish the same.

Just more evidence (as if it were needed) of the value of a regular prayer and meditation practice.

Best regards, wishes and prayers from a new, appreciative and enthusiastic reader-

David

]]> By: Mema http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2307 Mema Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:15:44 +0000 http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2307 Thomas Merton referred to this time of day as the "Pointe Vierge". i.e. The time of day when all the birds wake up and chirp, "is it time to "BE" yet"? Thomas Merton referred to this time of day as the “Pointe Vierge”.
i.e. The time of day when all the birds wake up and chirp, “is it time to “BE” yet”?

]]> By: Diane http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2318 Diane Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:39:28 +0000 http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2318 While I also love the solitude and silence of dawn, like deerose, I’m more of a night pray-er. I like the possibility of having the prayer last as long as it needs to, rather than feel as if I have to be conscious of the time and my schedule, my need to get going, eat breakfast, get to work. When I was in the novitiate years ago, my novice director noticed that when I was in having a dry spell during prayer, I was not doing two things: spending enough time outdoors and praying late at night. She urged me to go outside on our house grounds every night at 9:00 p.m. or later for prayer. This was in a dark, chilly, snowy northeastern winter, no less. Wow. The difference was amazing. It makes me realize how God invites us each to prayer in such unique and wonderful ways—the ways everyone is describing in the responses to Julie’s beautiful reflection on early morning. While I also love the solitude and silence of dawn, like deerose, I’m more of a night pray-er. I like the possibility of having the prayer last as long as it needs to, rather than feel as if I have to be conscious of the time and my schedule, my need to get going, eat breakfast, get to work. When I was in the novitiate years ago, my novice director noticed that when I was in having a dry spell during prayer, I was not doing two things: spending enough time outdoors and praying late at night. She urged me to go outside on our house grounds every night at 9:00 p.m. or later for prayer. This was in a dark, chilly, snowy northeastern winter, no less. Wow. The difference was amazing. It makes me realize how God invites us each to prayer in such unique and wonderful ways—the ways everyone is describing in the responses to Julie’s beautiful reflection on early morning.

]]> By: deerose http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2317 deerose Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:05:46 +0000 http://anunslife.org/2008/01/22/waking-up/#comment-2317 I've always admired people who get up very early to pray. It's never worked for me. I am just not a morning person. I usually prefer praying in the early afternoon after lunch or in the evening. I like praying in bed. I feel closest to God in silence and solitude - especially when I'm on a quiet beach or sitting in the dark with a candle lit nearby. Sometimes, if I wake up in the middle of the night, I can and do pray. deerose I’ve always admired people who get up very early to pray. It’s never worked for me. I am just not a morning person. I usually prefer praying in the early afternoon after lunch or in the evening. I like praying in bed. I feel closest to God in silence and solitude – especially when I’m on a quiet beach or sitting in the dark with a candle lit nearby. Sometimes, if I wake up in the middle of the night, I can and do pray.

deerose

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