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Katherine Benson's avatar

Interesting terminology. I think with different terminology. The Universe runs on two emotions, love and fear. Of course, we can fall into fear or the small self where we brace ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally. Than, thankfully, we can wake up again and the change in consciousness happens and we live in the Self and the flow of what I like to say is the Kingdom of Heaven. So that then we are living in the earthly plane and the eternal. I picture the cross and sign the cross and I am living there in the center in the vertical and the horizontal, knowing always that the Angels are around me and so are my loved ones there on the other side. Its that flow of love, the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit that sustains me as I care for my husband who is 91 and I am at Heaven's Gate.

Michelle Eyre's avatar

Thank you, Bob. Pausing to be honest with God about what drives us is helpful – love of fear? I want to glibly say 'love', of course. I know that sometimes, I'm driven by fear. It's helpful to have this reminder to take our contemplative time seriously, to tune in and be aware of what we're following.

It's a bit of a tangent, but your article reminded me of this quote, because if we're running on love rather than fear, we're less likely to overwork...

'The man [or woman] who is wise, therefore, will see his life as more like a reservoir than a canal. The canal simultaneously pours out what it receives; the reservoir retains the water till it is filled, then discharges the overflow without loss to itself ... Today there are many in the Church who act like canals, the reservoirs are far too rare ... You too must learn to await this fullness before pouring out your gifts, do not try to be more generous than God.'

― Bernard of Clairvaux, Bernard of Clairvaux on the Song of Songs III

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