The process of establishing ourselves in a habitual state of compassionate love takes place in the context of countless failure to be compassionate. But this proves to be no hindrance as long as we commit ourselves to being compassionate toward ourselve in our failings to be compassionate. Even our failures to be compassionate prove to be but new opportunities . . . This process of yielding to compassionate love unfolds and deepens over a lifetime of learning that when all is said and done, love is the playing field where we most truly meet ourselves and others as we really are, precious in our collective frailty.
~ from THE CONTEMPLATIVE HEART by James Finley, thanks to Liz Stewart
Love is spirit incarnate: powerful, courageous, and splendid. It is light in dark times, a spring in dry times, a fire in cold times, and a gathering of allies in the fearful and questioning times. It is not ignorant of consequences or uncaring of effects. And, it is passionate and disciplined, wild and domesticated, a demanding task and a delightful play … a paradox, a presence with many faces.
