You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
Traditionally, I have responded to the transcendent mystics of all religions. I have always responded with breathless excitement to anyone who has ever said that God does not live in a dogmatic scripture or in a distant throne in the sky, but instead abides very close to us indeed- much closer than we can imagine, breathing right through our own hearts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the proximity of the divine, suggesting that God is found within us rather than in distant doctrines.
Elizabeth Gilbert's quote reflects a profound understanding of spirituality, suggesting that the divine is not confined to religious texts or distant celestial entities, but rather resides within each of us. It invites individuals to embrace a more personal relationship with the divine, one that is alive and present in their daily lives, suggesting that spiritual connection is rooted in our own hearts rather than in formalized institutions.
Themes
SpiritualityDivineProximityHeartMysticism
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on spirituality, I shared this quote from Elizabeth Gilbert to highlight a personal connection to God.
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All quotes →Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
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I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
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When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
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And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
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But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
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