When we sleep

[Jake Huether]

I've been having trouble understanding this:

Spirits don't sleep, nor do they die. When we die, our spirit is separated from our body and we begin our journey to everlasting life, first with no body, and later to be reunited to our bodies.

But right at death and up until we get a new body, we are spirits without bodies. But our spirit is continually aware. It never sleeps...

That in mind...

Why is it that when we sleep we wake up with no recollection of what was going on for those several hours. What was our spirit doing?

As far as death goes, why is it that we presume to be fully aware of what's going on after death, as spirits. Yet we don't even know what’s going on while we are merely asleep?

Why is it that while our spirit is in our body, there are times when it isn't aware - like when we sleep, or in more extreme cases like amnesia?

It troubles me, not because I don't believe that we will exist after death. On the contrary, it worries me because I wish that I could be more spiritually aware while I sleep! It's like, for a good third of my life I waste this time when I could be growing in spirit, even while my body rests!

I'd like to discuss with yall what exactly goes on while our bodies are sleeping.

And I understand some of us have dreams, etc. But in particular lets keep it closer to those nights when you close your eyes and wake up with no knowledge or recollection of anything.

Thanks!

Edited July 8, 2005 by Jake Huether

[jmjtina]

maybe it has something to do with our human nature. YOu know, like since we are still attached to our human body, like that passage, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak?

lemme think some more on this.....

hmmmm, good food for thought.

[StColette]

But at the same time we can't really be aware of what our spirit is really doing while we're asleep. For all we know it could be in prayer, who really knows.

And what about dreams ? I mean I've had quite a view that were spiritual in nature and some in which i was praying. Would that be part of my spirit at work ?

lol so full of questions

[Guest Eremite]

The human soul is meant to work through a body. The separation of the soul from the body is "unnatural". We were not intended to exist as angels do, apart from a body. So long as we are in the body, our soul operates through the function of our brain and senses. If our brain shuts itself out from the outside world, so does the soul. Although the brain (and thus the soul) continues to think, subconsciously, through dreams.

[roseograce]

I've thought about this a bit too, Jake. I think maybe that our souls, free from the distraction of the senses, are able to draw closer in union with God while we are asleep. Every night before I fall asleep, I try to remember to give my body and and soul over to God, so that he may do with them what He pleases while I am at rest.

There is a priest I know who has talked about this; I'll ask him to e-mail me a little bit more and then I'll post it.

[phatcatholic]

ok, here's what i'm thinkin.......

the reason we are "aware" of things is b/c of the soul animating the body. the soul sets our brain into motion, allowing us to think, reason, and remember. however, the soul can only work w/ what it is given. that's why when the body is physically no longer able to operate, the soul must move on. the soul puts life into what has potential for it.

so, all day the soul has this great brain to work with, and he sets it into motion. but, as the day goes on, the brain gradually gives the soul less and less to work with. eventually, the body must rest. it can no longer be animated at its full capacity. so, the soul does what he can w/ the body while the body rests: he keeps it breathing, keeps the respitory and other systems of the body functioning. he does what he can w/ the brain too. it is "sleeping" but, he is still using it to send signals to the body that keep it functioning.

also, b/c the brain is sleeping, the soul cannot animate it to full awareness as it can throughout the day, but he can use it to sustain awareness at a subconscous level. he can use it to process thoughts and feelings that were overlooked or "pushed back" by the sensory perceptions that are more outstanding, and immediate, and "real." (its amazing what we think and feel when we lay down at night, when there is quiet and darkness and less sensory overload).

that's my theory. now, to answer your questions:

[quote]Why is it that when we sleep we wake up with no recollection of what was going on for those several hours. What was our spirit doing?[/quote]
well, we are sleeping b/c our mind and our bodies can no longer operate at full capacity. a mind/body not operating at full capacity will not be able to be as aware of itself as it is when it is functioning at full capacity. but, the soul has not ceased working. instead, he is doing the most he can do w/ this body until the body is able to do more. above i listed some of the bodily functions that the soul continues to animate when we sleep.


[quote]As far as death goes, why is it that we presume to be fully aware of what's going on after death, as spirits. Yet we don't even know what’s going on while we are merely asleep?[/quote]
b/c, as long as the soul and the body are inextricably intertwined, the awareness of the soul must be channeled through the body. the body's capacity for awareness decreases as it becomes weary. so, it makes sense that we would not be as fully aware when we are sleeping. when our body no longer has the capacity or potential to be animated, the soul (w/ its own level of awareness) moves on.


[quote]Why is it that while our spirit is in our body, there are times when it isn't aware - like when we sleep, or in more extreme cases like amnesia?[/quote]
b/c our awareness as total human beings--creatures w/ a body and a soul--is dependent upon not only the soul's awareness, but the degree to which this awareness can be channeled through the body. a brain at rest, or deteriorated by anmesia, is limited in its capacity to process this awareness.


of course, this is all theory. i hope it helps

pax christi,
phatcatholic

Edited July 9, 2005 by phatcatholic

[StColette]

Yeah what Nick said

[Jake Huether]

Thanks. This makes a lot of sense.

I'm so blest to have yall.

[phatcatholic]

pretty cool topic

[jmjtina]

[corban711]

i always ask Our Lady to keep my soul at prayer while my body rests so that my prayer will be at all times. not that i pray at all times during the day...no i am not there yet. but i beg for that grace. there have been a few times that i have really felt when i woke up that it was just a continuation of the prayer i had just been through. i think it is possible to get there at some level. i don't think we could fully control our sleep, but i think that Our Lord can and does give that grace sometimes. i have talked to several of my friends who have had the same experience.