Various ways that the author has observed evil enter contemplative life; I wonder what we might call these, or classify evil in contemplation as today. At first, these sound like hallucinations, and I hope he's not discounting those who have had true visions from God. On the other hand, the terrain is rocky, and a guide is useful! If you're interested in spiritual direction, do reach out. I'd love to have a conversation. [email protected]

When we first begin our relationship with God, and as we seek to deepen our path, we continually need guidance and care to keep from falling astray (sometimes we do so without even realizing it!).

When we'll be encouraged by darts of love, or hints of presence, from God, we do not know. May we welcome them when they come, but not count on them for our spiritual (or tangible) satisfaction.

As we direct our love toward God, thereby God's love flows through us, out into the world.

Whether and how we receive comfort from God is beyond our power to predict; it behooves us, however, to be cautious.

A two-for-one deal today; as the author suggests "playing childishly" with God, we learn through this combination of chapters 46 and 47 that he means "We speak one way with people, and another way with God."

How to keep our humility in divine contemplation, keeping our spirit in line.

This chapter speaks of the sorrow of existing. The author does not mean that it would have been better never to be born, so what must they be thinking of? Have you ever been in a situation where you realized you were defeating yourself by your own mind, its prejudices and assumptions? I wonder whether that is close to what is meant here.

Though God has created each person individually and uniquely with infinite preciousness to him, in contemplation, this sort of thought amounts to navel gazing, which will make us astute in our observation of... belly lint. So: in contemplation, relentlessly turn your thoughts toward God, be consumed with and interested in him only.

How do we rightly weigh and prioritize our lives? By putting contemplation first. So says the author today, urging us to find the balance of everything else when contemplation is placed first.