The Monastery of the Heart: An Invitation to a Meaningful Life

The book that I received was excellent quality. Haven’t read it yet.

I am discerning whether to become an Oblate of St. Benedict. This book was recommended to me by a Benedictine sister in charge of Oblate Formation at a nearby monastery. Alexa “read” the Kindle version to me while I tried to follow along (I have health issues that make reading on its own very difficult).Generally, I love reading Chittister’s work. Easy reading. Well written. I particularly loved her modern interpretation of St. Benedict’s Twelve Steps of Humility.My one criticism is the formatting of the Kindle version. Instead of normal pagination, the words are in a column down the center of the page; another reviewer referred to this format as “pseudo-poetry.” Although I’m sure this was intentional, it didn’t work for me.Having said that, I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Benedictine Spirituality.

I liked everything about the book--style, content, layout, design, all of it.It was just what I was looking for as I explore a Benedictine spiritually that is keenly aware of patriarchy and other forms of oppression and injustice, and is also global and universal in its attitude and reach and a beautifully written book, succinct, sometimes poetic, deeply practical and spiritual. It is also a needed and inspiring link to Benedictine spiritually lived out in "digital" community in our trying times, when personal contact is limited.

A friend is getting up a group for spiritual direction and suggested we use this book to get started. As I am reading it, I am reminded of the recent stir about nuns and the discussions about what is and is not essential for the religious life. If you take away the medieval dress and walls, what is left? And what may be left is a Monastery of the Heart as described in this book. The author strips away years of accrued traditions, adaptations, and interpretations to look at the core of the rule of St. Benedict and finds it still useful. Still a good guide for forming and maintaining community.I have found a lot to think about with this book. It's what I call a sipping book. Not one you read in big gulps, but keep around and pick up and read a paragraph or page or two then think about things for awhile.

This is a fresh view of Benedictine Spirituality; by that I mean that the information is presented in a less formal, cut-and-dried manner than in her other books. It is more of a meditation on the Benedictine way. It is a good bolster to other works on St. Benedict.

At first I hesitated to buy this book because of the way it is set up. However I needed to read it in order to participate in the discussion online at Monasteries of the Heart. After reading the first chapter I was very glad I got the book. It is thought provoking and quite calming to read it slowly...and much easier to let the words sink in because of the way the lines are presented on the page. I have never been disappointed with any of Joan Chittister's books in the past and this book is no exception. Joan has a way of presenting Benedictine spirituality after her many years of living it that makes 6th century Benedict seem very alive and credible today.

I was initially both attracted to and hesitant about reading this book. I wanted to ensure the author was sufficiently broad minded to encompass spirituality to include a diverse audience. In looking over the associated web site ([...]) one of the membership requirements include "Do you bow before the dignity of each human being regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or religious tradition?" I knew the author has something I want to pursue.I feel all the more drawn into monastic and Benedictine wisdom, practice, and work having read this poetic book. Highly recommend!

This extended prose poem reimagines what it is to live the simple, yet radical values that have endured for centuries in Benedictine communities. You don't need to be Benedictine or Catholic to appreciate the inherently human need to live a life that matters, to develop emotionally and spiritually in ways that serve a greater purpose than our own personal good.The book, introduced in 2011, launched a movement to create Monasteries of the Heart. These are small faith communities -- on site and/or online. The movement and the groups are supported by a resource-intensive web site run by Chittister and the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pa. (monasteriesoftheheart.org). It's an engaging, refreshing and transformative way to build and support a way of life and a life worth living.

I have always found it difficult to understand how the Rule of St Benedict, a Rule of Life written for a monastic community could be lived out as a lay person outside of a monastery. This book helps me understand, and challenges me as I journey in the 21st Century.There is a lot of meat in this book.....that needs time to be digested.

This book was recommended by a Benedictine priest who spoke at a Spirituality course I am attending. It is searchingly beautiful and from the moment I opened the pages I was captivated and unable to put it down. I have recommended it to friends and they too have bought it. It is so full of inspiration - I am on the third reading.

A lovely book for quiet reflection. Poems and thoughts set out seasonally.

Excellent service. Couldn't ask for more.

ok