cover image The Monastic Heart: 50 Simple Practices for a Contemplative and Fulfilling Life

The Monastic Heart: 50 Simple Practices for a Contemplative and Fulfilling Life

Joan Chittister. Convergent, $26 (288p) ISBN 978-0-593-23940-7

Chittister (The Time Is Now), a Benedictine nun and social activist, addresses how ordinary people can apply the practices and wisdoms of monastic traditions to their daily lives in this impeccable guide. After all, she writes, “Monasticism does not flee the world.” Each of the 50 brief chapters examines a nugget of monastic tradition (the practice of hospitality, the place of the cloister, dedication to peace and justice) before providing advice for lay readers on how to apply the practice to everyday life. For instance, Chittister explains how going through a monastic procession of religious offerings and prayers can be a community forming tradition which declares “everybody here has melded into a new kind of family” and becomes “a lesson about what is really sacred in life.” Filled with many suggestions for ways to forge greater connections with one’s community and God’s will, Chittister’s program will serve as a powerful corrective to those looking to slow down. Those interested in the Benedictine tradition should take a look. (Oct.)