We are kept from the experience of Spirit because our inner world is cluttered with past traumas . . . As we begin to clear away this clutter, the energy of divine light and love begins to flow through our being.
Thomas KeatingRead
To become who we are as creatures made in the image and likeness of God, we have to be nothing and everything at once, since this is what God is. ... If we accept who we are, we are manifesting God and radiating Christ. The latter unfolding of the divine life within us does not need to go anywhere _x000D_ or do anything special.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding our divine nature.
In this quote, Thomas Keating conveys the complex idea that to truly embody our essence as beings created in the divine image, we must embrace both our complete potential and the humility of being nothing at all. It suggests that by fully accepting ourselves and our inherent nature, we can express the divine presence and love within us, which requires no external validation or extraordinary actions.
Themes
Self-AcceptanceDivine NatureGodIdentitySpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the nature of humanity and spirituality.
More from Thomas Keating
All quotes →The acceptance of all that God has given us and the willingness to let it go - to give it back to him at a moment's notice - that's true human freedom.
Thomas KeatingRead
We rarely think of the air we breathe, yet it is in us and around us all the time. In similar fashion, the presence of God penetrates us, is all around us, is always embracing us.
Thomas KeatingRead
Only when we can accept God as he is can we give up the desire for spiritual experiences that we can feel.
Thomas KeatingRead
For human beings, the most daunting challenge is to become fully human. For to become fully human is to become fully divine.
Thomas KeatingRead
If you accept the belief that baptism incorporates us in the mystical body of Christ, into the divine DNA, then you might say that the Holy Spirit is present in each of us, and thus we have the capacity for the fullness of redemption, of transformation.
Thomas KeatingRead
Similar quotes
As a man thinketh, so is he, and as a man chooseth, so is he.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Everything's much too big here,' thought Moominmamma. 'Or perhaps I'm too small.
Tove JanssonRead
All men have the stars," he answered, "but they are not the same things for different people. For some, who are travellers, the stars are guides. For others they are no more than little lights in the sky. For others, who are scholars, they are problems. For my businessman they were wealth. But all the stars are silent. You--you alone--will have the stars as no one else has them--
Antoine De Saint-ExuperyRead
If you want that good feeling that comes from doing things for other folks then you have to pay for it in abuse and misunderstanding.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
Precision, speed, unambiguity, knowledge of files, continuity, discretion, unity, strict subordination, reduction of friction and of material and personal costs - these are raised to the optimum point in the strictly bureaucratic administration.
Max WeberRead
Never say anything to hurt anyone. Moreover . . . refrain from double talk, from shrewd and canny remarks that are designed to advance our interests at someone's disadvantage. We are to turn our back upon evil, and in every way possible, do good, help people and bring blessings into their lives.
Norman Vincent PealeRead