Comments on: The Simple Dollar Morning Roundup: Meditation and Prayer Edition http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:03:21 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: ruthie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-91677 ruthie Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:17:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-91677 I pray to Jesus for guidance concerning how much to put into my 401(k), what exactly to invest in, creative ideas and strategies, which financial planner to hire, especially before I sign any contract. He is faithful to advise me. I pray to Jesus for guidance concerning how much to put into my 401(k), what exactly to invest in, creative ideas and strategies, which financial planner to hire, especially before I sign any contract. He is faithful to advise me.

]]> By: Jim http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-90855 Jim Sun, 21 Oct 2007 14:42:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-90855 I pray. Alone and with my family. I also read scriptures alone and with my family. Almost every day. Not only does it benefit me with better concentration and all that, and my family with better relationships and all that, but I can see blessings from God in my life. God blesses me when I keep his commandments and acknowledge his influences in my life. I pray. Alone and with my family. I also read scriptures alone and with my family. Almost every day. Not only does it benefit me with better concentration and all that, and my family with better relationships and all that, but I can see blessings from God in my life. God blesses me when I keep his commandments and acknowledge his influences in my life.

]]> By: Jess http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-90117 Jess Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:55:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-90117 I take a yoga class at least once a week. At the end of every class we go into a pose called "corpse pose" (savasana) and just chill out and relax - I can't tell you how many times I've nearly (or actually) fallen asleep. It's great to just take an hour away from school and my thesis and focus on me for a change. I take a yoga class at least once a week. At the end of every class we go into a pose called “corpse pose” (savasana) and just chill out and relax – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve nearly (or actually) fallen asleep. It’s great to just take an hour away from school and my thesis and focus on me for a change.

]]> By: Ann http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-90113 Ann Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:41:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-90113 I pray/meditate...it's grounding and keeps me focused on The Bigger Picture...it's not about me. We all worship something...prayer and meditation helps me to keep focused on Who is really Worthy of my worship/prayers. I pray/meditate…it’s grounding and keeps me focused on The Bigger Picture…it’s not about me. We all worship something…prayer and meditation helps me to keep focused on Who is really Worthy of my worship/prayers.

]]> By: Geron http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89887 Geron Sat, 20 Oct 2007 02:10:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89887 Thanks for asking. I pray at least 3 times each day: Once in the morning Once in the afternoon Once at night before bed Human beings are, in our essence, spiritual beings, and prayer to God is a great way to nourish our souls. When performed in the spirit of service to humanity, work is worship. (according to the Baha'i Faith) Thanks for asking. I pray at least 3 times each day:

Once in the morning
Once in the afternoon
Once at night before bed

Human beings are, in our essence, spiritual beings, and prayer to God is a great way to nourish our souls.

When performed in the spirit of service to humanity, work is worship. (according to the Baha’i Faith)

]]> By: Mariette http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89810 Mariette Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:32:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89810 I meditate every day, in the morning and in the evening. It's invaluable. I'm calmer, more relaxed and able to face upheavals in my day and life much more equanimously. I don't get as caught up in all the sturm and drang of it all. I also get a lot more done because my mind is more balanced and can just take what comes a lot better than it used to. I meditate every day, in the morning and in the evening. It’s invaluable. I’m calmer, more relaxed and able to face upheavals in my day and life much more equanimously. I don’t get as caught up in all the sturm and drang of it all. I also get a lot more done because my mind is more balanced and can just take what comes a lot better than it used to.

]]> By: Mrs. Micah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89795 Mrs. Micah Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:43:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89795 I try to do both. I like Brother Lawrence's idea of practicing the presence of God--being prayerfully aware while working. I also observe three of the "hours" while at work: Terce, Sext, and None. (9am, noon, and 3pm) I use the readings on the universalis website and then try to spend a minute at least breathing if not praying. Or I chant songs from Taize (taize.fr) in my head. Only this week I got it set up so that my Outlook reminds me of the hours. Otherwise I'm prone to be caught up in something. Outlook for church bells, whodathunkit. I try to do both. I like Brother Lawrence’s idea of practicing the presence of God–being prayerfully aware while working.

I also observe three of the “hours” while at work: Terce, Sext, and None. (9am, noon, and 3pm) I use the readings on the universalis website and then try to spend a minute at least breathing if not praying. Or I chant songs from Taize (taize.fr) in my head. Only this week I got it set up so that my Outlook reminds me of the hours. Otherwise I’m prone to be caught up in something. Outlook for church bells, whodathunkit.

]]> By: Monica http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89710 Monica Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:11:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89710 In theory (but not always in practice), I say Morning Prayer every day (from the 1962 Canadian edition of the Book of Common Prayer), including reading the Scripture lessons. Afterwards I pray for whatever special intentions I want to pray for, with a wooden "holding cross" in my hand. Also, I send up little "arrow prayers" at various points in the day. For example, if I hear the siren of an emergency vehicle, I pray "God, be with them" (them being all those involved, whether victim, offender, paramedic, family...). In theory (but not always in practice), I say Morning Prayer every day (from the 1962 Canadian edition of the Book of Common Prayer), including reading the Scripture lessons. Afterwards I pray for whatever special intentions I want to pray for, with a wooden “holding cross” in my hand. Also, I send up little “arrow prayers” at various points in the day. For example, if I hear the siren of an emergency vehicle, I pray “God, be with them” (them being all those involved, whether victim, offender, paramedic, family…).

]]> By: Samir http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89692 Samir Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:41:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89692 I pray and meditate twice a day, early in the morning before leaving to work and in the evening after coming back from work. It helps me to de-stress myself and focus on two different lives ( professional and personal) which makes me move ahead in life. I pray and meditate twice a day, early in the morning before leaving to work and in the evening after coming back from work. It helps me to de-stress myself and focus on two different lives ( professional and personal) which makes me move ahead in life.

]]> By: wayne http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89675 wayne Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:52:12 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89675 I do both. I find that I CAN pray without meditating, but not the other way around. When I meditate I become thankful, which in turn becomes a prayer of thanksgiving. If you pray without meditating, it's hard (if not impossible) to hear from God. God's is a quiet, still voice. Prayer is like sending, meditation is like recieving. I do both. I find that I CAN pray without meditating, but not the other way around. When I meditate I become thankful, which in turn becomes a prayer of thanksgiving. If you pray without meditating, it’s hard (if not impossible) to hear from God. God’s is a quiet, still voice. Prayer is like sending, meditation is like recieving.

]]> By: Jayne http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89663 Jayne Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:24:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89663 Yes- I pray throughout the day, but wish I was more disciplined and had an actual morning devotional time. I keep a list of people that I pray for and also try to read a chapter of the Bible daily. This sometimes leads to meditating on the bigger picture, God's love and mercy, and occasionally a personal moral inventory (sadly not often enough.) Yes- I pray throughout the day, but wish I was more disciplined and had an actual morning devotional time. I keep a list of people that I pray for and also try to read a chapter of the Bible daily. This sometimes leads to meditating on the bigger picture, God’s love and mercy, and occasionally a personal moral inventory (sadly not often enough.)

]]> By: Bob http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89658 Bob Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:05:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89658 Whether you do it with prayer, meditation, calm reflection, or some other form of quiet, alone time, you are doing something that our society seems structured to stamp out. "For God's sake", it seems to be saying, "Don't think, don't have a moment to yourself, don't plan, don't dream. Hurry up and get busy, you have many important things to do, and you're late for all of them." This encourages "running around with one's head chopped off", and losing sight of goals (assuming you actually have any conscious goals). Another aspect of this is not being "jacked in" all the time. Some people hate and fear silence, and need the constant stimulation provided by iPods, the Internet, satellite / cable TV, etc. You know I haven't subscribed to TV for two years, and use my TV now only for a (rare) DVD. Guess what, I haven't turned into a pumpkin. Your mileage may vary, but I need to turn the damned computer off now and then, much as I love it and make my living from it. I value living thoughtfully and mindfully, and need it for my sanity. If I don't do this, I don't say "no" to enough things, and too much cruft gets into my life. I lose my focus, and become much less effective. Whether you do it with prayer, meditation, calm reflection, or some other form of quiet, alone time, you are doing something that our society seems structured to stamp out. “For God’s sake”, it seems to be saying, “Don’t think, don’t have a moment to yourself, don’t plan, don’t dream. Hurry up and get busy, you have many important things to do, and you’re late for all of them.” This encourages “running around with one’s head chopped off”, and losing sight of goals (assuming you actually have any conscious goals).

Another aspect of this is not being “jacked in” all the time. Some people hate and fear silence, and need the constant stimulation provided by iPods, the Internet, satellite / cable TV, etc.

You know I haven’t subscribed to TV for two years, and use my TV now only for a (rare) DVD. Guess what, I haven’t turned into a pumpkin.

Your mileage may vary, but I need to turn the damned computer off now and then, much as I love it and make my living from it. I value living thoughtfully and mindfully, and need it for my sanity. If I don’t do this, I don’t say “no” to enough things, and too much cruft gets into my life. I lose my focus, and become much less effective.

]]> By: iDave http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89656 iDave Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:59:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89656 I started meditating in January after I read in "National Geographic" that - by the numbers - Buddhist monks were the happiest people on Earth. Now I find it really helps my concentration, my focus, and my stress level. Just taking a moment to concentrate on your breath throughout the day - it's pretty amazing what it can do. I also keep a <a href="davelawrence8.blogspot.com/2007/08/buddha-on-my-desk.html" rel="nofollow">little Buddha on my desk</a> that I glance at when I get stressed. It's my little mindfulness practice. This is all helpful, especially when money and finance is involved :-) I started meditating in January after I read in “National Geographic” that – by the numbers – Buddhist monks were the happiest people on Earth. Now I find it really helps my concentration, my focus, and my stress level.

Just taking a moment to concentrate on your breath throughout the day – it’s pretty amazing what it can do.

I also keep a little Buddha on my desk that I glance at when I get stressed. It’s my little mindfulness practice.

This is all helpful, especially when money and finance is involved :-)

]]> By: Frances http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89630 Frances Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:47:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89630 My husband and I try to make a Morning Offering to God when we wake up each day. Most mornings we are also able to attend Mass together, an awesome experience of communion with one another and with God. Prayer humbles me - it reminds me that it's not "all about me." I thank God for His providence and ask His blessing on others. My husband and I try to make a Morning Offering to God when we wake up each day. Most mornings we are also able to attend Mass together, an awesome experience of communion with one another and with God.

Prayer humbles me – it reminds me that it’s not “all about me.” I thank God for His providence and ask His blessing on others.

]]> By: Eleanor Joyce http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89622 Eleanor Joyce Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:35:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89622 Hi there, I pray. Just wanted to say I think your blog is wonderful - I just discovered it yesterday and have spent some time here looking around. I posted links to it on both my blogs this morning. Thanks for all the great info. Hi there,
I pray. Just wanted to say I think your blog is wonderful – I just discovered it yesterday and have spent some time here looking around. I posted links to it on both my blogs this morning. Thanks for all the great info.

]]> By: Debbie M http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89613 Debbie M Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:12:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89613 I do not meditate or pray. I will try to think of nothing if I have had insomnia for several nights and need to fall asleep, but that's it. I like having my brain full of stuff. It doesn't mean I never relax it. I like to sing along to music, for example. And I do defocus sometimes like Erich such as when I'm riding the bus and have nothing to read. I think lots of people do this when they exercise (if it's not a sport) and while they do housework. I do not meditate or pray. I will try to think of nothing if I have had insomnia for several nights and need to fall asleep, but that’s it.

I like having my brain full of stuff. It doesn’t mean I never relax it. I like to sing along to music, for example. And I do defocus sometimes like Erich such as when I’m riding the bus and have nothing to read. I think lots of people do this when they exercise (if it’s not a sport) and while they do housework.

]]> By: Dave http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89604 Dave Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:56:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89604 Strangely enough, my mediation comes from running. There is this point of ... mental peace and clarity that comes to me on my long runs. Burn away that cursory energy, the light stuff that powers us through the day and tap deep reserves. Some how running then.... it's like a switch has flipped in my mind. All concerns, worry, frustrations pass. All that exists is that next step, next breath. All I can figure is my use of the Chop Wood, Carry Water matra. Strangely enough, my mediation comes from running. There is this point of … mental peace and clarity that comes to me on my long runs. Burn away that cursory energy, the light stuff that powers us through the day and tap deep reserves. Some how running then…. it’s like a switch has flipped in my mind. All concerns, worry, frustrations pass. All that exists is that next step, next breath.

All I can figure is my use of the Chop Wood, Carry Water matra.

]]> By: d.a. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89598 d.a. Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:50:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89598 I try to meditate daily, but it's a struggle. I also make time at night to review my day, and give thanks to whatever-powers-there-might-be for all of the blessings I have. I try to meditate daily, but it’s a struggle. I also make time at night to review my day, and give thanks to whatever-powers-there-might-be for all of the blessings I have.

]]> By: Divine Bird Jenny http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89593 Divine Bird Jenny Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:36:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89593 I spin yarn and knit, which often creates a meditative state for me. :) When I REALLY want to chill or calm down, I spin thread-fine yarn out of my absolute best fibers, like the cashmere/silk blend I've got going now. The motion of the wheel is hypnotic and requires very little from me to keep going. I do my best thinking when I'm spinning. I spin yarn and knit, which often creates a meditative state for me. :) When I REALLY want to chill or calm down, I spin thread-fine yarn out of my absolute best fibers, like the cashmere/silk blend I’ve got going now. The motion of the wheel is hypnotic and requires very little from me to keep going. I do my best thinking when I’m spinning.

]]> By: Laura http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-89590 Laura Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:28:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/19/the-simple-dollar-morning-roundup-meditation-and-prayer-edition/#comment-89590 I pray through out the day. many are spontaneous, though I find myself praying in the car on most mornings. I used that time to reflect on who I want to be (honest and understanding), what I want to do (my task list for the day), gratitide for what I have, and well wishes for others for the day. I enjoy as it gets me calm and in mind set of being ready for the day instead of just being passive about what will happen. I pray through out the day. many are spontaneous, though I find myself praying in the car on most mornings. I used that time to reflect on who I want to be (honest and understanding), what I want to do (my task list for the day), gratitide for what I have, and well wishes for others for the day.

I enjoy as it gets me calm and in mind set of being ready for the day instead of just being passive about what will happen.

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