Benedictine Bridge connecting with the communities at Holy
Wisdom Monasteryweaving prayer, hospitality, justice and care
forthe earth into a shared way of life
Sisters & Sojourners|Sunday Assembly| Oblates| Guests &
RetreatantsFriends & Supporters|Volunteers & Coworkers|New
on our website| Calendar
November 2015
"Climate change is a global problem with grave
implications.There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation
through little daily actions,and it is wonderful how education can
bring about real changes in lifestyle."- Pope Francis,Laudato
Si
Creating a living lab for sustainable building operation
by Mark Hanson, director of sustainable services, Hoffman,
LLC
Caring for the earth requires thoughtful decisions in design,
construction and ongoing operation or stewardship of a building and
the land its on. Holy Wisdom Monastery was diligent in building
anew monastery buildingin 2009 and has since added considerably
moresolar energy generation. The monastery is now searching for
additional opportunities to reduce energy use, carbon footprint and
cost in the operation of both the monastery and the retreat and
guest house.
Why Holy Wisdom Monastery wants to do this flows from its
mission of care for the earth. Chapter 5 ofPope Francis Encyclical
on Climate Change & Inequalityspecifically encourages us to
take such action.
How to do this is our challenge. In the case of the monastery,
the best opportunity is to reduce some temperature settings in the
coldest winter months. The estimated savings is approximately two
to three percent for every degree F (Fahrenheit) that the indoor
temperature setting is reduced. The best areas for doing this are
in the larger spaces and rooms that are not regularly occupied. If
the assembly room is only used for a weekend wedding
andSundayAssembly, reducing the assembly room temperature from 70F
to 64F during the week would result in substantial savings. Perhaps
the gathering area and large dining room could be set at 67Frather
than 70Fduring the months of December to March.
The question of what temperature is comfortable has no universal
answer, as each person has their own personal thermostat or
temperature at which they are comfortable. One person is too warm
at 68F, others are just right, and others are too cold. And the
comfort range will even vary for a given individual with age. These
points of comfort can be managed to a considerable degree by how we
dress. A sweater, fleece, or wool coat are our age-old tools for
providing comfort at different temperatures. We regularly observe
how our personal thermostats change with the season. 75Fduring a
hot summer day feels cool, but by now it would feel too warm (for
most of us) during the winter.
As a community we will deliberately use the monastery and
retreat and guest house as a living laboratory during the winter of
2015/2016. We will work with coworker Eric Solberg who manages
building controls to adjust some temperatures lower in different
spaces and measure the impact on energy use and cost. Well report
our findings after the monthly bills come in. If someone has a
small office and tends to need more heat, we can set the
temperature higher at 70 or 71F. If another person is warmer, they
may want to try a temperature at 67 or 68F. If we have unoccupied
spaces for many days such as the assembly room, well try lower
settings and schedule a warm up the day before an event. Eric can
also work with coworkers to adjust office temperatures up and down
as needed for a period of hours before temperatures return to the
pre-set level. As we think about our personal energy management
this winter, we will be keeping three things in mind:
Provide suggestions and comments to Eric (who will share them
with me as appropriate). We are counting on active participants in
our living laboratory.
In a room that is warmer than an adjacent space (say an office
compared to the corridor), keeping a door closed or mostly closed
will keep the higher heat in where it is needed.
Floors of most areas of the monastery have in-floor or radiant
heating. This tends to make you feel warmer at any given air
temperature. The base level of heating that comes off of the floor
is supplemented by fan coil units that further warm the air coming
into the room in order to reach the temperature setting for the
room.
I look forward to collaborating with the coworkers at Holy
Wisdom as we learn to be even better stewards.
__________________________Mark Hanson is the director of
sustainable services at Hoffman, LLC, the company that provided
planning, design and management services for the monastery
building.We are grateful to Mark and join with him in a continued
commitment to caring for the environment.
#GivingTuesday: celebrating the season of givingbyCar McGinley,
director of communications & IT
Photo by Kent Sweitzer
As many of you know, BlackFridayand CyberMondaykick off the
buying season, but #Giving Tuesday, onDecember 1, 2015, kicks off
the giving season! Join others who feel that giving is more
important than buying, and donate to Holy Wisdom Monastery on
#Giving Tuesday this year.
Your donation to Holy Wisdom Monasterymakes a difference:
in the lives of women who come here as Benedictine Sojourners to
experience living in community
in the local environment as the prairies at Holy Wisdom filter
pollutants and keep phosphorous out of area lakes
in the spiritual growth of people who come here to pray, learn
and retreat
in the lives of the volunteers who find a connection with the
land
I would love to hear why YOU donate to Holy Wisdom.Click here to
tell me your story!Look for an email reminder onDecember 1,
2015anddonate to Holy Wisdom Monasteryon #Giving Tuesday and make a
difference in this season of giving!
For more information, visit our#GivingTuesdaypageor contact
Nancy Sandleback [email protected],
x105. If you would rather mail in a donation,download our
donationform and return it byDecember 1, 2015.
Remember, #GivingTuesdayis onDecember 1, 2015!
SundayAssemblyHelp us create our Advent wreathbyLynn Lemberger,
director of worship & music
Advent begins this year onSunday, November 29, 2015. A special
addition to ourSunday Assembly worshipduring the fourSundays of
Advent is the presentation of each weeks Advent candle, brought
into worship by one of our children. Each new candle is placed on
our 6-foot Advent wreath, which stands in the front of the assembly
room, in anticipation of the light that is coming into the world
with Jesuss birth on Christmas Day.
We will prepare the Advent wreath for the assembly room
onWednesday, November 25, 2015, at9:30 am. You are invited to
participate in this annual pre-Christmas event! The wreath is built
on a metal/wood frame using freshly cut evergreen boughs that
groundskeeper Paul Boutwell collects from the monastery grounds. It
takes about 45 minutes to put the wreath together, less time with
more helpers. Come join us before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
begins! All are welcome!
Join us for an Advent daybyLynne Smith, OSB, co-director of
formation
Join us onThursday, December 10, 2015, 11:45 am1:30
pmforReflections on Art and Prayer, an Advent day of reflection
with David Giffey.David is an artist, iconographer, journalist and
photographer who is currently exhibiting a selection of his work at
Holy Wisdom Monastery.Reflections on Art and Prayerwill begin with
midday prayer and lunch.
After lunch I will host a conversation with David as he shares
some ideas gathered during 40 years of painting liturgical art. The
presentation will include stories of travels and teachers, visual
examples and a brief introduction to traditional Easter Christian
prayer. A short time of silent meditation will be followed by a
general discussion. More information and online registration is
available on our website at:Reflections on Art and Prayer. Please
register byNovember 25, 2015.
Guests & RetreatantsThe gift of time at Holy WisdombyMonica
Jefcoat, event & accounting assistant
Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas are all approaching soon.
What a wonderful time to give thanks and count our blessings. Life
is fast-paced and we dont always take the time we need to do these
things. Whether its during the week or on the weekend, Holy Wisdom
Monastery offers a contemplative environment with daily prayer
opportunities, spiritual guidance and Sunday worship service.
To schedule personal time to reflect on all that is good, please
send me anavailability inquiryor call me directly at608-836-1631,
x158.
Looking for thoughtful gift ideas for those you love?Consider
giving them a retreat at Holy Wisdom Monastery.One night stays in
2016 start at just $60. Overnights in our hermitage begin at just
$83/night. To purchase a gift certificate, call me directly
at608-836-1631 x158. More information about arranging for some
personal time and space is available on thepersonal retreats pageof
our website.
All of us in guest services at Holy Wisdom wish you happy,
meaningful holidays ahead.
Volunteers & CoworkersWelcoming a new coworkerbyCar
McGinley, director of communications & ITThis month we welcome
LaRae Gavic as our operations manager, a new role at Holy Wisdom.
As operations manager, LaRae is responsible for the day-to-day
operation of the facilities, grounds and guest services as well as
long-range operations planning and marketing. This is a position
that pulls together responsibilities formerly assigned to the
director of guest services and the chief operating officer. We are
grateful to Jill Carlson, former guest services director, for her
work at Holy Wisdom, and to Barbara Dannhausen, OP, our current
chief operating officer, who will be moving into a consulting role
for Holy Wisdom at the end of this year.LaRae brings to Holy Wisdom
a background in social work, management, business administration
and marketing. As operations manager, she will work closely with
coworkers and volunteers and will take on a leadership role as part
of an administrative team responsible for communications,
marketing, strategic/operational planning, finances, personnel and
program planning.
"I live in Middleton and have often been drawn to the beauty of
the monastery's grounds and to the mission and values here." LaRae
comments. "I am very excited to now be a part of this wonderful
place and am looking forward to many new adventures."
Please introduce yourself to LaRae the next time you visit Holy
Wisdom Monastery.
Friends & Supporters
Membership in the Friends of Wisdom Prairiea special gift
ideabyGreg Armstrong, director of land management &
environmental education
Why join theFriends of Wisdom Prairieor give a membership as a
gift? This vital and growing group is making a significant impact
on the care of the earth at Holy Wisdom while having a great time!
Over the past year the Friends of Wisdom Prairie and the monastery
partnered with Dane County, Madison Community Foundation, and other
individuals who value caring for the earthto:
burn 120 acres of prairie
sow prairie seed on 35 acres of former agricultural land
mow new prairie land to keep weeds from going to seed and to let
light in for new prairie seedlings
install a storm water detention facility covering 4 acres
clear fencerows of weedy shrubs and trees in preparation for oak
savanna restoration
remove invasive weeds on 160 acres
Provide environmental and eco-spiritual education through dinner
lectures, monastery tours and outings to other natural areas
Many interesting and enjoyable activities are planned for next
year, including dinner lectures on monastic history, birding in
Peru, and exploring nature in Madagascar and South Africa. Our
planned outings include a boat trip in the Horicon Marsh, a trip to
the Aldo Leopold Shack and a visit to the International Crane
Foundation. Help make a difference by working in the monastery
prairies, savanna and woodlands during our Wisdom Prairie
Workdays.
You are invited to join the Friends of Wisdom Prairie for 2016.
Orwouldnt a membership make a very special Christmas gift for a
friend or loved one?Friends of Wisdom Prairie brochureswith an
application for membership are available at the monastery oron
ourwebsite. Anonline registration formis also available on our
website.
Call for art exhibitorsbyNancy Sandleback, collections
manager
The art exhibits at Holy Wisdom Monastery, hosted by the sisters
in the spring and fall, tie in with Holy Wisdom Monasterys mission
of hospitalitywelcoming artists of various backgrounds and media as
well as those who view the art. Our current exhibit,Icons by David
Giffey, runs through December 24.Last month we put out an open call
for proposals to display artwork at the monastery for two months
beginningFriday, May 6, 2016with a gallery reception. Submissions
are dueNovember 30, 2015. If you are interested in submitting a
proposal, contact Nancy Sandleback at
[email protected]. Art gallery guidelines are
available at http://benedictinewomen.org/blog/art-gallery.
Please share this information with any artists you know.
Sisters & Sojourners
Experiencing monastic life for 6 months
byAnn Moyer, director of membership
Would you or someone you know like to experience the rhythm of
monastic lifeprayer, work, study and leisureat Holy Wisdom
Monastery for 6 months? We welcome single, Christian women, ages
21-50, to consider this possibility beginning in the fall of 2016.
The first step to learning more is to come to an Exploring
Benedictine Sojourners Retreat. Three new retreat dates are on the
calendar for 2016:
February 12-14, 2016(apply by2/2/2016) April 8-10, 2016(apply
by3/29/2016) July 15-17, 2016(apply by7/5/2016)
More information aboutBenedictine Sojournersand theExploring
Benedictine Sojourner Retreatsis available on our website, or
contact Ann Moyer [email protected],608-836-1631
x197.
Learn more about the Benedictine Sojourner experience from our
current sojourners most recent blog posts (excerpts below, follow
link in title to each full blog post):
Glory days, by Denise West
One of the hopes I havefor my six months at Holy Wisdom is to
deepen my relationship with God or, more precisely, to find out
what I meanwhen I sayI believein God. Though Ive been on a path
seeking God for a number of years, I have gotten to a point where I
realizethat I am too often trying to generate a sense of God,
rather than having a conviction of Gods presence....
From the lab bench to the prairie garden, by Paz Vital
Leaving the lab, my family and my friends to live here on the
prairie was not an easy choice. But, I am here waiting to
experience a northern winter for the first time in my life. I was
and I am still excited and scared at the same time. I was born and
lived in Mexico for the most part of my life. Then, six years ago,
I moved to US and was living in Houston, Texas. So I dont know what
to expect about winter in Wisconsin. But the winter is not the only
thing that scares me
Sisters' community life blogs
Sisters Lynne Smith and Rosy Kandathil have added new posts to
their blog series as well, providing additional insights into life
in community at Holy Wisdom(excerpts below, follow link in title to
each full blog post):
Finding the seeds of God's call in my life, by Lynne Smith,
OSB
I believe that a call comes right out of ones life. That means
that rather than being something extraordinary that drops down from
heaven to overwhelm a person, a call grows from the values,
characteristics and dreams one has already begun to develop. My
desire to care for the earth and feeling connected to God in
creation was part of what brought me to our community at Holy
Wisdom....
Loving commitments that change our lives, by Rosy Kandathil,
OSB
There are some commitments that change our lives forever. ...As
we dedicate ourselves fully and consciously to certain bonds, our
whole world shiftsimpacting every relationship in its scope. What,
but love, could draw us to make such strong promises?...
Visitation, a time of gracebyMary David Walgenbach, OSB,
prioress
Once every five years each monastery in the Federation of St
Gertrude receives a team of sisters whose role is to review and
support the ways in which Benedictine monastic life is carried out
in their setting. In early December, Holy Wisdom will receive
Joella Kidwell, OSB, a member of the Sisters of St Benedict,
Ferdinand, IN and president of the Federation of St
Gertrude(pictured near right), and Lorane Coffin, OSB, a sister
from St Martin Monastery in Rapid City, SD(pictured far right)as
their visitation team.
Benedictine federations provide a framework of mutual support
among their member monasteries, guiding and supporting each other
in the interpretation and adaptation of theRule of Benedictfor
their particular time and place. Most of the Benedictine womens
monasteries in the US belong to one of three federations. Holy
Wisdom Monastery is an ecumenical affiliated member of
theFederation of St Gertrude.
This is privileged time for you and your community, notes Sister
Joella, who also references Federation documents calling this "a
time of grace, a call to celebrate life. The Federation states
that, the purpose of the visitation is to assist the monastery in
reviewing its monastic way of life in terms of monastic profession,
prayer, common life, formation, fiscal management, and the works of
the monastery. We look forward to receiving the visitation team for
this friendly visit from those who come to listen to and encourage
us.
OblatesOblates consider Christian identity in a multi-faith
worldbyAnn Moyer, director of membership
The oblates of Holy Wisdom have a book recommendation to sharea
book with a very long, but intriguing title: Why Did Jesus, Moses,
Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a
Multi-Faith World, by Brian McLaren. This book is the focus of
conversations and sharing within the oblate community as they
gatherfor a retreat this weekend,November 13-15, 2015.
In his book, Brian McLaren discusses the concept of modern
Christian identity at great length and depth. He explores how far
modern Christianity has come from the teachings of Jesus. He
provides a fairly comprehensive history of change. McLaren looks at
the ways various Christian doctrines have served more to divide
than unite.
PC Moisan-Thomas, oblate class of 2002, who is leading the book
discussion, comments on this book: Brian McLaren shares many
heart-warming stories of his experiences of people of different
faith traditions. He calls us to think deeply about what it means
to be a Christian today and to develop a greater sense of
hospitality.
Learn about the oblate community andbecoming an oblateon our
website.
New on our websiteFollow the links to see what's new on our
website.
November phenology(Beaver Moon) by Sylvia Marek
Finding the seeds of God's call in my lifeby Sister Lynne
Smith
Glory daysby Denise West
Libby Caes' homily from November 8, 2015
Loving commitments that shape our livesby Sister Rosy
Kandathil
CalendarSunday Worship,9:00 amMonastery Assembly Room
Daily PrayerMonastery OratoryMorning Prayer,Sunday-Saturday,8:00
amMidday Prayer,Monday-Friday,11:45 amEvening Prayer,
Sunday-Saturday,4:30 pm
Follow the links below to register for upcoming events at Holy
Wisdom Monastery
For the complete calendar visitbenedictinewomen.org/events/
October 2-December 24Icons by David Giffey, art exhibitExhibit
hours:Monday-Friday,8:00-4:00 pm;Saturday,10:00 am-4:00
pm;Sunday,8:00 am-12:00 pmNovember 15 Anniversary of the Dedication
of Holy Wisdom MonasteryNovember 15Childrens Liturgy of the
Word,9:00-10:00 amOffered twice a month during Sunday Assembly.
Students are dismissed from worship after the opening hymn and
introduction to leave with the teachers, to hear and learn about
the scripture readings at their level. All ages are welcome to
participatelittle ones with a parentand older students as readers
and helpers with the teachers. For more information contact Colleen
Hartung [email protected] 15Sunday
Assembly Fall Meeting,10:15-11:30 amAll members are encouraged to
attend the fall meeting and have an opportunity to discuss issues
significant to the members. Updates from committees will be
presented.November 17Eco-friendly Monastery Building Tour,1:00-2:30
pmLearn about geothermal heating and cooling, renewable resources,
daylighting, photo voltaic cells, rain gardens, pervious concrete,
green roofs, solar tubes and more!No registration necessary, $5
suggested donation at the door.November 17Merton Movie
Night,7:00-9:00 pmTo close out the 100thanniversary year of Thomas
Mertons birth, this showing ofThe Many Storeys and Last Days of
Thomas Mertonwill be followed by time for dialogue with other
Merton scholars, enthusiasts and admirers. No registration
necessary, just come. Free-will offering taken at the door.November
20Taiz Prayer,7:30-9:00 pmPrayer in the style of Taiz is a ministry
ofSundayAssembly and is organized monthly during the academic year.
A rich contrast of silence and singing characterizes the prayer. No
registration necessary, just come.November 22Feast of theSundayof
the FulfillmentNovember 22ThanksgivingSunday/Recognition of
Volunteers,9:00-10:00 amWe honor and bless the many volunteers who
generously share their time and talent to help makeSundayAssembly
possible. We are grateful for everything you do!November
29FirstSundayof AdventDecember 6Childrens Liturgy of the
Word,9:00-10:00 amOffered twice a month duringSundayAssembly.
Students are dismissed from worship after the opening hymn and
introduction to leave with the teachers, to hear and learn about
the scripture readings at their level. All ages are welcome to
participatelittle ones with a parentand older students as readers
and helpers with the teachers. For more information contact Colleen
Hartung [email protected] 6SundayAssembly
Advent Brunch,10:15 am-12:00 pmDecember 6Social Justice
Group,10:30-11:30 amPlanning session for 2016.Contact: Dennis
Collier [email protected] 8Luke
HouseOn the secondTuesdayof each month, members of Holy Wisdom
Monastery participate inpreparing, serving and sharing a meal at
Luke House. We serve a vegetarian lasagna dinner, complete with
salad, bread and cookies.December 10Reflections on Art and Prayer,
led by artist David Giffey11:45 am-1:30 pmDavid Giffey will share
some ideas gathered during 40 years of painting liturgical art. The
presentation will include stories of travels and teachers, visual
examples and a brief introduction to traditional Eastern Christian
prayer. Includes lunch.Register byNovember 25, 2015.December
16Eco-friendly Monastery Building Tour,3:00-4:30 pmLearn about
geothermal heating and cooling, renewable resources, daylighting,
photo voltaic cells, rain gardens, pervious concrete, green roofs,
solar tubes and more!No registration necessary, $5 suggested
donation at the door.December 18Taiz Prayer,7:30-9:00 pmPrayer in
the style of Taiz is a ministry ofSundayAssembly and is organized
monthly during the academic year. A rich contrast of silence and
singing characterizes the prayer. No registration necessary, just
come.December 20 Childrens Liturgy of the Word,9:00-10:00 amOffered
twice a month duringSundayAssembly. Students are dismissed from
worship after the opening hymn and introduction to leave with the
teachers, to hear and learn about the scripture readings at their
level. All ages are welcome to participatelittle ones with a
parentand older students as readers and helpers with the teachers.
For more information contact Colleen Hartung at
[email protected] 20SundayAssembly
Council Meeting,10:30-11:45 amDecember 24Christmas Eve
Liturgy,8:30pmWorship at8:30-10:00 pm, followed by
refreshments/social in the dining room, 10:00-11:00 pm.
Holy Wisdom Monastery4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI
53562|Phone:608-836-1631Website:www.benedictinewomen.org|Email:[email protected]
Benedictine Bridge
connecting with the communities at Holy Wisdom Monastery
weaving prayer, hospitality, justice and care for
the earth into a shared way of life
Sisters & Sojourners
|
Sunday Assembly
|
Oblates
|
Guests & Retreatants
Friends & Supporters
|
Volunteers & Coworkers
|
New on our website
|
Calendar
November 2015
"Climate change is a global problem with grave implications.
There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through
little daily actions,
and it is wonderful how education can bring about real ch
anges in lifestyle."
-
Pope Francis,
Laudato Si
Creating a living lab for sustainable building operation
by Mark Hanson, director of sustainable services, Hoffman,
LLC
Caring for the earth requires thoughtful decisions in design,
construction and ongo
ing operation or
stewardship of a building and the land its on. Holy Wisdom
Monastery was diligent in building a
new
monastery building
in 2009 and has since added considerably more
solar energy generation
. The
monastery is now searching for additional opportun
ities to reduce energy use, carbon footprint and
cost in the operation of both the monastery and the retreat and
guest house.
Why Holy Wisdom Monastery wants to do this flows from its
mission of care for the earth. Chapter 5
of
Pope Francis Encyclical on Climate Change & Inequality
specifically encourages us to take such
action.
How to do this is our challenge. In the case of the monastery,
the best opportunity is to reduce some
temperature setti
ngs in the coldest winter months. The estimated savings is
approximately two to
three percent for every degree F (Fahrenheit) that the indoor
temperature setting is reduced. The
best areas for doing this are in the larger spaces and rooms
that are not regu
larly occupied. If the
assembly room is only used for a weekend wedding and
Sunday
Assembly, reducing the assembly room
temperature from 70F to 64F during the week would result in
substantial savings. Perhaps the
gathering area and large dining room coul
d be set at 67
F
rather than 70
F
during the months of
December to March.
The question of what temperature is comfortable has no universal
answer, as each person has their
own personal thermostat or temperature at which they are
comfortable. One person
is too warm at
68
F
, others are just right, and others are too cold. And the
comfort range will even vary for a given
individual with age. These points of comfort can be managed to a
considerable degree by how we
dress. A sweater, fleece, or wool coat are
our age
-
old tools for providing comfort at different
temperatures. We regularly observe how our personal thermostats
change with the season.
75
F
during a hot summer day feels cool, but by now it would feel too
warm (for most of us) during
the winter.
Benedictine Bridge
connecting with the communities at Holy Wisdom Monastery
weaving prayer, hospitality, justice and care for the earth into
a shared way of life
Sisters & Sojourners | Sunday Assembly | Oblates | Guests
& Retreatants
Friends & Supporters | Volunteers & Coworkers | New on
our website | Calendar
November 2015
"Climate change is a global problem with grave implications.
There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through
little daily actions,
and it is wonderful how education can bring about real changes
in lifestyle."
- Pope Francis, Laudato Si
Creating a living lab for sustainable building operation
by Mark Hanson, director of sustainable services, Hoffman,
LLC
Caring for the earth requires thoughtful decisions in design,
construction and ongoing operation or
stewardship of a building and the land its on. Holy Wisdom
Monastery was diligent in building anew
monastery building in 2009 and has since added considerably more
solar energy generation. The
monastery is now searching for additional opportunities to
reduce energy use, carbon footprint and
cost in the operation of both the monastery and the retreat and
guest house.
Why Holy Wisdom Monastery wants to do this flows from its
mission of care for the earth. Chapter 5
of Pope Francis Encyclical on Climate Change & Inequality
specifically encourages us to take such
action.
How to do this is our challenge. In the case of the monastery,
the best opportunity is to reduce some
temperature settings in the coldest winter months. The estimated
savings is approximately two to
three percent for every degree F (Fahrenheit) that the indoor
temperature setting is reduced. The
best areas for doing this are in the larger spaces and rooms
that are not regularly occupied. If the
assembly room is only used for a weekend wedding and Sunday
Assembly, reducing the assembly room
temperature from 70F to 64F during the week would result in
substantial savings. Perhaps the
gathering area and large dining room could be set at 67F rather
than 70F during the months of
December to March.
The question of what temperature is comfortable has no universal
answer, as each person has their
own personal thermostat or temperature at which they are
comfortable. One person is too warm at
68F, others are just right, and others are too cold. And the
comfort range will even vary for a given
individual with age. These points of comfort can be managed to a
considerable degree by how we
dress. A sweater, fleece, or wool coat are our age-old tools for
providing comfort at different
temperatures. We regularly observe how our personal thermostats
change with the season.
75F during a hot summer day feels cool, but by now it would feel
too warm (for most of us) during
the winter.
