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There is no health in those who are displeased by an element in Your creation, just as there was none in me when I was displeased by many things You had made. Because my soul didn't dare to say that my God displeased me, it refused to attribute to You whatever was displeasing.
Saint Augustine
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote expresses the idea that true health and well-being come from accepting and being at peace with God's creation.

Saint Augustine reflects on the inner turmoil of being displeased with aspects of creation, highlighting that such discontent disrupts one's inner peace and health. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that dissatisfaction with the world is ultimately dissatisfaction with the divine, and true spiritual health arises from a harmonious acceptance of all that exists.

Themes

HealthDispleasureCreationSpiritualityAcceptance

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about mental health and acceptance in a community workshop.

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Who can map out the various forces at play in one soul? Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart.
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Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
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Everyone who observes himself doubting observes a truth, and about that which he observes he is certain; therefore he is certain about a truth. Everyone therefore who doubts whether truth exists has in himself a truth on which not to doubt.... Hence one who can doubt at all ought not to doubt the existence of truth.
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Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Jesus Christ; rest your weary ones; bless your dying ones; soothe your suffering ones; pity your afflicted ones; shield your joyous ones; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
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