Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life

by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn, Matthew Linn SJ

The Linns' simplification of the Ignatian examination of conscience is a way to find daily direction, experience emotional and spiritual growth and grow closer to both God and one's inner self.

Genres: Spirituality, Prayer, Christian, Theology, Faith, Nonfiction, Religion

80 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1995

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little introduction to Ignatian Spirituality, and in particular, the Examen. It is a strange format as it comes across somewhat like a children's book but it is certainly not. It is full of depth and insight. Nevertheless, we read this book with our two children, ages 4 and 6 at the time, and every since we have been doing the Examen every night before bed. While they may have not understood everything they got enough to catch the basics.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book the Linns (a husband and wife, and the husband’s brother) invite us to practice the examen, a technique for reflecting on the events of our day, passed down by Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Though it can be phrased many ways, the examen centers on two basic questions: For what moment today am I most grateful? For what moment today am I least grateful? Part I of the book explains the examen process and how to adapt it. Part II discusses experiences of the Linn family and others who practice the examen; and Part III is a useful compendium of frequently asked questions. The cover and charming internal illustrations suggest the book’s usefulness for parents desiring a structure for spiritual reflection with their children. “What matters most in doing the examen is to experience an environment of unconditional love in which you feel safe to own your experience and feel all your feelings. This is one reason we encourage doing the examen with other people who love you.” Having said that, the authors also suggest ways that people living alone can create this environment.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reads (and looks) a bit like a kids book but it's a nice, gentle introduction to St. Ignatius' Examen. Basically, it boils down to asking yourself every day, what one thing am I grateful for today and what one thing am I not grateful for today. Well, ok, now you don't have to read the book. But I would recommend it. I'm finding it helps a lot with keeping things in perspective. The authors also talk about it being a way to see patterns and adjust your life accordingly.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually want to give this like 3.5 stars but good reads won't let me. I thought this was a good book in thinking about the examen and incorporating it as a spiritual practice, but you kind of have to get over how annoying these people are.

[Rendi Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This precious book was loaned to me by a friend. It teaches, using simple stories and illustrations, the practice of a daily reflection on the events of the day to see what is bringing life to you. Whether you call it consolations and desolations, things most/least grateful for, or other question pairs, this little book makes it so plain and accessible as a way to lean into your life's purpose. It has some great material for parents and families. Highly recommended.

[D.J. Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this on a friend's Goodreads WTR post and saw that it did not come up as "read" for me even though I knew I had it on my shelves. So, I pulled it out and re-read it. Now as I come to review it, I see that another friend posted on it in 2020 and that's when I bought it (but obviously still did not review it). I liked it...a lot. I would recommend it and maybe even buy it for others. What holds me back from rushing right out and buying it is a couple of readers who did not enjoy the book, so I need to think what kind of reader friends I would want to give the book to.

One reviewer stated the three authors writing the one book is a bit disconcerting, but one can figure it out early on that the two men are brothers, and Sheila is married to Dennis and they live in CO. Matt is a Jesuit living in a Jesuit community in MN. Something else that is different is the illustrations. They're beautiful and they also look like this is going to be a children's book, but it is a book for adults.

I found the book quite helpful with understanding consolation and desolation (part of Ignatian Spiritual Exercises), and also helpful with life questions in general (e.g. What gives me life?) Easy to read in one day, but I'll want to go back and start applying and experiencing Sleeping with Bread.

[Riley Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice quick read to start the year! mom gave me this a while back - it’s a bit of an odd crossover that appears like a children’s book written for adults. it definitely shows its age (and reading it really feels like a stream of consciousness from the authors) but it presents an interesting practice to consider and i appreciate the different ways it can easily be put into a daily routine.

[Dawna Talgorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this slowly and thoughtfully - it was life-giving and changed the way I reflect and share about my decisions and day-to-day experiences. Bastien and I do the examen now nearly every day, and Joy has started to share too. It helps us understand each other and keep our connection strong. I will definitely re-read!

[Rose Kovacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a thoughtful little book. Completely reframed by concept of the examen prayer, and the practices we choose to determine the course of our lives. The only thing I didn’t connect with was the illustration style.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discovering Life

Sleeping with bread—tucking yourself in at the end of the day with whatever's basic to your survival and overall health. With graceful pastel watercolor illustrations by Francisco Miranda, this giftable paperback provides simple instructions and compelling rationales for anyone of any age doing an Ignatian examen on a regular basis. Can you name your greatest consolation, your most stinging desolation from today? Oh, those Jesuits and their reputation for being so good with discernment! Because they are!

I especially appreciate the authors' counsel that making an examen can be wise and helpful not only at the end of a day, week, month, or year (I'm so ready for 31 December 2020 and 01 January 2021) but also after a meeting at work or anywhere, a conversation, a class as student or instructor, a meal. Can you name the best part? The worst part? What brought life? What caused death? Making an examen as an individual or with other(s) each day over as short a period as a calendar month may help confidently guide you into that critical "what now-what's next" in your own vocational or recreational pursuits, or as a family. You probably remember Howard Thurman, the late and great preacher to Boston University telling us: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you alive, because the world needs people who are fully alive."

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid, concise and thoughtful introduction to the "examen" for folks looking for a simple practice to cultivate greater reflection and awareness in their life. The examen grows out of Christian traditions, specifically those of St. Ignatius (founder of the Jesuit order), but it's a malleable enough practice that could be useful to a broad range of believers and skeptics. The presentation of the book is charming and sort of funny - the illustrations make it look like a children's book, but I wouldn't say it's written as such. The authors provide concrete examples of how the examen has led each of them to a more fulfilling life. They're clearly quite sincere, but there is a certain ring of "this will change everything for you" that's perhaps a tad too rosey. Still, this book moved me from thinking about the examen to actually practicing it, and I think the authors would be content with that.

[Adam Parker · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book came recommend by some mentors, but to be honest I just found it really weird. I appreciated the insistence on focusing as a community on what we are thankful for, but the odd three-person authorship and just hippy language was a big turn off. In my opinion there are better books on the topic. I only made it about 30% through the book and couldn't do any more. Not finishing a book is pretty rare for me!

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf for years, but actually sitting down to read it was somewhat of a letdown. I particularly did not resonate with the references to "Jesus, God, or God as you understand God." I'd rather read something by St. Ignatius on the practice than something that has been diluted to be more palatable.

[Melinda Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this first when my life stage task was generating life. In retrospect, I think I read it partially.
Now, in the life stage of integrity I read it thoroughly and hope to share it with others. The practice of Examen is practical, simple and deep all at once.

[Darceylaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful introduction to the Examen as a form of prayer and contemplation. I had a number of useful insights reading the book, and have found the practices fruitful.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet take on the Prayer of Examen!

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read that I learned about at a recent Brite After Brite retreat that was sponsored by Brite Divinity for those who attended the "Transitions in Life & Ministry" course in 2018 J-Term. I was really touched by the opening paragraph: "During the bombing raids of WW II, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and care. But many of these children had lost so much that they could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night, the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow." ---From the Publisher: The Linns' simplification of the Ignatian examination of conscience is a way to find daily direction, experience emotional and spiritual growth and grow closer to both God and one's inner self.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the format of a children’s story (with beautiful illustrations!), this short read delivers the simple significance of the daily examen. The language and expositions in the book are refreshingly clear-cut — but without compromising nuance and scope.

Thus far, putting into practice the nightly examen has impacted my life (in just about every way). This read is a great primer for those curious about, and wanting to seek, life and spiritual direction (broadly).

The single thing I found distracting throughout the book was wondering: who are these people writing? And by that, I really meant: can I trust them and their assertions? One short page near the end soothed this for me. The authors suggest that I, the reader, practice the examen process over the book and walk away with what was life-giving.

“In any given year we read many books but benefit from only a handful. The books we benefit most from are those that move us to ask the question: What from this book do I want to incorporate into my life?”

There you have it — we can partake in an examen over anything!

[Wadeshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something I often criticize when reviewing spiritual books is the length. I feel like a lot of them overstay their welcome; belaboring and over explaining a point in order to hit a publishers word count. This book, pleasantly, doesn’t do that at all!

It’s short, to the point, and clear. A great introduction the the examen practice for beginners, as well as permission to approach it more creatively and playfully for folks accustom to the practice. It’s short length, engaging illustrations, and three voices (all three of which represent different types of people) make this a book I would highly recommend to people interested in spiritual practice. I will certainly recommend it to my directees.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet little book is possibly the most accessible explanation of the Ignatian examen, a popular Catholic meditation process. For the longest time, the examen seemed too heady and dry to me. Through the cute illustrations and relatable personal anecdotes, I have begun doing the examen and have shared the practice with my twelve year old. Though having multiple authors and multiple narrators can make for some confusing transitions, it is overall a lighthearted and clearly explained guide to a powerful spiritual tool.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book to help people understand what the daily Examin is about. The authors explain it and give examples from their own lives on how to listen to your daily experiences and sense the leading of God through the things that give you joy, life and consolation and the things that bring more negative emotions, least favorite activities of the day and desolations. It is a quick read, but could be the start of a very good habit to help change your life.

[Dawne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was assigned as part of my homework for a class called The Sacred Invitation. I've been using The Grace I Seek (A Daily Spiritual Journal) and this helped deepen my understanding of how to better use my journal. I believe that learning about the Examen and investigating what is life giving and what is life draining makes you realize how much control you have to choose how you live and what you put up with daily. This is a great a little read with deep meaning.

[Ashley Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looks like a children's book, and I definitely wouldn't have gravitated to it on my own if my spiritual director hadn't mentioned it. Sleeping with Bread is an easy introduction to the Examen. It's extremely simple, but that's often the best way to start. I appreciated their examples of how noticing daily "consolation" and "disconsolation" revealed patterns that guided major changes in each of their lives.

[Erin Grasse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came to this book by means of Teresa A. Blythe’s 50 Ways to Pray, and I very much agree with her assertion that it’s an accessible contemporary version of the Ignatian Examen.

If you find the idea of contemplative practice intimidating and/or prefer a practice that doesn’t involve lots of sitting, stillness, or silence, I highly recommend giving this book a read!

[MND Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learn discernment and your path to fulfillment by practicing examen - keeping a log of your peaks and pits. You'll see a pattern and discover how to direct your life to greater peace and satisfaction.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Read and Worth Reading

This book may seem superficial unless you start asking yourself the two questions daily and then pay attention to how your answers reveal things about yourself.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet profound book on the spiritual practice of examen.

[Moira Bryans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming Christian storybook

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book with a simple and clear approach to living fully. It will stay with me. Thank you, dear sister, for giving me this book!

[Joshua Booher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise book that helps in understanding the Ignatian practice of Examen.