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

by Joan D. Chittister

Every age has answered the questions and challenges of spiritual living in its own particular ways through its languages, arts, and lifestyles. Bestselling author Chittister delivers a roadmap based on the ancient Rule of Benedict that stands as a practical model upon which to build a satisfying life.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Catholic, Christian, Faith

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Joan Daugherty Chittister, O.S.B., is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker. She has served as Benedictine prioress and Benedictine federation president, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I Can Tell You: I have never heard of Joan Chittister and this is one of the most wonderful things about being a book reviewer. Sometimes things cross my desk that would have never been on my radar.

I am one of those people who go by the motto "everything happens for a reason" and I do believe there is a reason this book came my way.

Being more spiritual than religious I was worried that I would come away thinking I was preached to, feeling that this book was way beyond what I believe or know. This is not true. Joan Chittister speaks of what's in our hearts, family, togetherness, reflection, soul searching, and community.

Her way with words gets inside you and makes you want to listen, learn, read, think and pray.

"The truth is that work has a spiritual function. It is done for the sake of the soul, not for punishment of the body or for the gratification of the ego. Good work is meant to build into us a respect for the order and beauty that the cultivation of the spiritual life demands."

I love chapter 21 where she breaks down the steps of Humility (the ladder that reaches between us and God.) Good stuff

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joan Chittister puts the Rule of St Benedict in lyrical, easily accessible language.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[Madeleine Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a needed breath of fresh air to ground many ideas of humanity and spirituality that have been swirling around inside me in something tangible and present

[Jonathan Drnjevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book which applies the Benedictine approach to all of life. Can be read as a daily devotional. Packed with wisdom and insights.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking book which posits uniting with God takes or took on one of the following forms:
1. desert asceticism
2. community and communion
3. withdrawing from this world to be more attuned to the next
4. simply living this life well - every action of it

High emphasis on reading scriptures intensely as the way to seek God in a Monastery of the Heart. "It is through immersion in the Word of God that the search for meaning erupts into a life lived in union with the God whose presence we seek."

Ways God is most present:
1. Withdrawal
2. Immersion in nature
3. In the faces of the poor
4. Through the support of those with a common spiritual regime
5. Through balance of community, contemplation & commitment to the people of God

I would think most on the journey to a deepening faith would find points of resonance with what the author wrote as well as a stretching out from one's comfort zone.

[Kevin Orth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 (https://www.monasteriesoftheheart.org) 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!

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not always agreed with Joan Chittister, OSB, but have persevered with her because she has often highlighted significant points, or people in whom we recognise something that calls us on. In this book she takes the basis of the Benedictine Rule and puts it in more contemporary language. She then offers it to people not only in monasteries but wherever we are: online, at work, in homes. It has many passages worthy of pondering in hearts and minds. But it rewards one who reads the entire book. It is available in both print and kindle editions.

[Jean Marie Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew nothing about Joan Chittister. Several friends recommended her to me, and this was my first introduction. I came to this not knowing that Joan is a Benedictine, that she has been inclusive of everyone, and that her acceptance and humility have brought her under investigation of the Roman Catholic Church. The prose here is simple, straightforward, and beautiful. I learned about the Rule of Benedict and how it can apply to our modern lives. The basic tenents of prayer, meaningful work, and service, and uplift us all. There is much wisdom here.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! It will seem like a quick read, but try to read only a chapter a week, reading that same chapter every day. Or at least give a couple days to each chapter. Each paragraph deserves thought. "To pursue the path of Benedictine spirituality means that we will leave whatever part of the world we inhabit-- its neighborhoods and nations, its oceans and preserves, its forests and its soil--in better condition than they were before we came."

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the companion to the Erie Benedictines' new Monasteries of the Heart program. Rather than prose, the book is written in a poetic, meditational style seemingly so as to be inspirational rather than instructional. I personally don't find the book very inspirational nor do I find it a very good introduction to Benedictine spirituality.

[Catherine Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Monasteries of the Heart a very good read which brought a number of things into perspective for someone wishing to or committed too living a Form of Monastic life. I look forward to renewing some resolve, as well as reading more of Joan Chittister's work. I wouls highly recommend reading it.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This very elegant, almost poetic, presentation of basic Benedictine principles invites one to embrace and live monastically yet engaged in routine daily life in the real world. The poetic style makes this a beautiful reading experience.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a set of reflections in verse format on the Benedictine Rule. I am quite taken with the Benedictine Rule and generally enjoy books about it. I seemed to get bored with this one, perhaps because of the verse style which should have been great, but I found it distracting.

[Candace Simar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written book about Benedictine spirituality is one that I will read again. It's practical, loving, encouraging and uplifting. I'd recommend it to anyone who seeks a closer walk with God.

[Charles Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grand example of how words intended to inform can also be chosen and written in such combination that they create a work of art.

[Patti Clement · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read but I can't seem to finish it! I love to hear her speak, but am having difficulty reading her book. I think because she is so dynamic as a speaker and the words don't come to life for me.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking - best phrase '...God of surprises...'

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to know about the Benedictine way of life, this is a book that will help you see your way into the "Rule of Benedict."

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for shaping one's life.

[Allan Savage]

This is truly a postmodern piece of literature. Postmodern themes are seen not in its content, but in its construction, that is, the printed artistic form which reflects the author's style of thinking, which is not classically expressed. The printed text, arranged in "sense lines" reminds me of the layout of the poetic passages in John's Gospel and the format of the Roman Lectionary designed to be read aloud. Chittister's intent is to answer the postmodern phenomenon of "too many choices" in life. Within classical Christendom too many choices was not the case. Then there was only one choice. The Kingdom of God was easily seen as co-extensive with the Church and all spirituality reflected that singular point of view.

It is from within that point of view that the traditional monastery was founded. The distinction and subsequent separation of the sacred and secular has changed all that. The author's thoughts about contemporary monastic community, which reflects the experience of the individual in postmodern society, are contrary to the traditional understanding. Not Christendom, the traditional concept, but Christianity, the postmodern concept, is the basis of contemporary experience for reflection and the formation of the monastery of the heart. Not the objective monastery built of bricks and stone, but the subjective monastery of the heart of flesh is the locale of a meaningful life and spiritual growth. No ideology, Christian or otherwise, is presented in this book. Ideologies are classical expressions of public understanding. Rather, a template, or frame of personal reference, is suggested as a guide to the complexities of life as the "old ways" no longer serve satisfactorily the contemporary life. With no Christian ideology to interfere, Chittister's approach is able to appeal to both believer and non-believer alike. Those seeking personal meaning in life, not in an institution, but through a movement of the soul, as it were, will appreciate her approach. A final postmodern characteristic reflected in the book is the identification of the monastery as "a new movement for a new world" found at [...]. In contrast to the classical monastery, a physical institution which was designed to turn the heart towards God, the postmodern monastery is "of the heart" desiring to invite God in. In this way a community of seekers gathers, with a common goal, which is the transcendental meeting with God in their daily lives, wherever they are lived out. I dare suggest that the "third force" of humanistic psychology popular not all that long ago, that characterized the human potential movement, is at the root of Chittister's efforts within Benedictine spirituality to establish the monastery of the heart.

[Bob Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benedictine Spirituality has been very appealing to me for a long time and Joan Chittister's book once again reaffirms to me why that is the case.

Written as an introduction to Benedictine thought, this simple little book lays out the basics in a very easy to read, bite-sized approach. Each chapter focuses on one thought and is only a few pages long. However, the little that is there will hopefully encourage the reader to discover more about St. Benedict's approach.

There is not much to say about the writing: it is basic and clear. It is not technical and written for an everyday audience. She is very engaging and I believe the reader will find her easy to read.

The chapter on humility (much like the section in the Rule) is worth the price of admission.

I encourage this book for all Christians, especially those who are looking for a devotional path to follow.

Grade: A

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chittister is taking the monastic experience out into the world with this writing and with the accompanying website and email listserv. A really interesting work to say "This is who we are as a Benedictine community. Join us by embracing these values in your own heart and living." Each chapter is a careful and almost poetic reflection on a tenet of Benedictine spirituality and as such could be easily incorporated into someone's time of prayer and reflection. I'd recommend this book for those ready to move away from the consumerist and false messages society presents on success and happiness and for meditation on who we are to be as God's people.

[Paul Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monastery of the Heart is a lyrical structure for seekers on how to live your life well-based on the rule of Benedict. The highly respected Benedictine writer Joan Chittister's aim of the book is to show how you can live a better life without withdrawing from your current world.
An important part of this ideal for Chittister is the conversion of the heart with the help of God to do what is better. I do see a difficulty in this if you don't live daily accordingly which she implies, can be done.

[Cindy Costanza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that describes the Benedictine Way of Life and how each of us can live it every day. It is not a long and laborious book. It is written in prose on all the topics of living not just a Benedictine life, but a good spiritual life with Christ and the Bible. Even though Joan Chittister is a Catholic Benedictine nun, I know many people in any Christian denomination who would really enjoy this book and see its value. I'm keeping this one beside me every day. Wisdom is throughout.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benedictine spirituality for the rest of us! Chittister is a Benedictine nun, which by its name is based on St. Benedict's Rule. With illustrations for the religious already in official monasteries, she gives "new monastics" that is, the secular spiritual seeker the gift of the Rule for everyday life. It is a gem of a book that is beautifully written for anyone wanting to incorporate the life of a Benedictine within the larger world.

[Tabitha Vohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I devoured the collective writing of Joan Chittister, was moved by her podcast interviews with Oprah but, sadly, this book fell flat for me. I was expecting more of a practical applications book and less vague, philosophical pondering. My question the entire book was, "Great--what does that *look* like?".

Nevertheless, I adore her. She has great wisdom to share. I will read her writings again.

[Susan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I belong to the Protestant faith, I admire Sister Joan Chittister greatly, both as a writer and as an activist. Each of her books has new content; she is not just rehashing the same viewpoints. This book is a good motivational book about living the Christian life and practicing spiritual disciplines.

[Brian Ipock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It's a quick read, but is full of wisdom on Benedictine Spirituality. It contains many many things to meditate on, and should be read and re-read. Much like the Rule of Saint Benedict, daily reflection on its contents would do a seeker good.

[Celina]

I bought this on impulse when I found it on sale at the bookstore. With its nice short chapters I thought it would be a soothing spiritual bedside read, but it turned out to be a little more prescriptive than I care for at bedtime. I might pick it back up later on.