Sleeping with Bread: Monday, January 19th

Monday, January 19, 2009

Monday, January 19th

Yikes! I'm late getting this host post up. We had a party at our house yesterday and by the time it was over, I was ready to enjoy peace and quiet. And so I did--for the rest of the night!

This past week I was quite busy. I haven't had that much to do in a long time. Everything got done that needed to, though. I think that qualifies as an accomplishment! Actually, there was one important thing that did not get done; however, I'm back on track today--I think. ;)

The week ahead of me presents its own challenges, but all in all, I am looking forward to it. What about you? Any big challenges this week?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ooooOOOoooo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Although the examen is a Christian practice, I would hope that anyone who has something to share would feel welcome here. Also, if you don't have your own blog and would like to participate, share your bread in the comments. To holding on to what gives life,

Mary-LUE

3 comments:

Tara Lamont said...: I'm in the midst of challenge - but I'm holding onto the loaf. Thanks for keeping the bakery open.; January 19, 2009 12:02 PM
Pamela said...: Hello! I found your site through the Daily Meme. I think the idea for Sleeping with Bread is awesome and decided to start participating. Today was my first post.

I hope you have a wonderful week and that your challenges are easily met.; January 19, 2009 3:18 PM
Mel said...: *waving to Pamela*

Nice to have you joining us!

And this week's challenges seem to include battling some kind of 'crud' that's found its way into our home.

RAWR......crud g'way!!!!; January 19, 2009 6:56 PM

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What is Sleeping with Bread?

During the bombing raids of WWII, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of 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." (Linn, Dennis et al, Sleeping With Bread, p.l)

These are the beginning words of a book that introduced me to a practice called the examen. The orphans held on to what nourished them and were thus able to sleep peacefully at night. The examen, based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, helps a person hold onto what spiritually nourishes him by looking at what is giving him consolation in his life or causing him desolation. It allows someone to express his gratitude to God for the good stuff and turn to him for solace for the bad stuff. It is quite simple. You simply ask yourself, in the last day/week/month what gave me consolation and what caused me desolation.

How do you do it?

Sleeping with Bread is a Monday meme. You can participate in one of two ways: 1) Pick one of the above examen question sets and answer it in the comments section of my SWB post; or, 2) Create your own Sleeping with Bread post. You are welcome to right click on the Sleeping with Bread button and save it to your own computer before uploading into your post. Then, make sure you come back and put the link to your post in the automated Mr. Linky form at the end of the current SWB post. I hope you will join me and my fellow bakers as we Sleep with Bread on Mondays!