On rare and wondrous occasions a piece of writing or poetry comes into one’s orbit and leaves one awobble at the sheer synchronicity and serendipity. How could this woman know me inside out and tell my story so soulfully hundreds of years ago?

I had a natural passion for fine clothes, excellent food, and
lively conversation about all matters that concern
the heart still alive.  And even a passion
about my own
looks.

Vanities: they do not exist.

Have you ever walked across a stream stepping on
rocks so not to spoil a pair of shoes?

All we can touch, swallow, or say
aids in our crossing to God
and helps unveil the
soul.

Life smooths us, rounds, perfects, as does the river the stone,
and there is no place our Beloved is not flowing
though the current’s force you
may not always
like.

Our passions help to lift us.

I loved what I could love until I held God,
for then—all things—every world
disappeared.

– Saint Teresa of Ávila

Source – Daniel Ladinsky,  Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West