St Francis and the simplicity of Love

In our physically and emotionally complex world there is a place for simplicity. For staying in the moment, being fully present, just being love in every situation.

St Francis, the saint who is often linked to nature, the animals, birds, and stars took simplicity further still. He internalised it to include his will and ego, to then surrender his all to his God.

He is reputed to once have said “Why are we not just in love with love?” Quite a thought to realise how much we objectify love, as a person, an idea, even marmite…

Remember how rich and all-encompassing the feelings of love can be? 

Beyond the ego passion, the ego need to have and hold, to contain or own is a rich and beautiful place, we have all experienced. It may arrive as a wave of golden love suffusing us sometimes for no obvious reason. Imagine if we could tune into that experience of love all the time? 

Maybe we can…..

“The Power of Humility and Unconditional Love”

In a world that often values ego and self-promotion, the virtues of humility and unconditional love stand out as beacons of light. These qualities, rooted in the core of our spiritual selves, have the ability to transform our lives and our relationships.

Humility: The Art of Selflessness

Humility is the gentle art of recognising our own limitations and imperfections. It’s not about self-deprecation or putting ourselves down but rather an honest acknowledgment of our humanity. When we embrace humility, we open the door to personal growth and deeper connections with others.

By letting go of our need to be right or to prove ourselves, we create space for understanding and empathy. Humble individuals are open to learning, adaptable to change, and willing to admit their mistakes. In doing so, they nurture an environment of trust and authenticity in their relationships.

Unconditional Love: The Purest Expression of Compassion

Unconditional love is a love without conditions or boundaries. It’s a love that extends to all, regardless of their actions or circumstances. When we love unconditionally, we accept others as they are, without judgment or the need to change them.

This type of love is not just reserved for our closest relationships but extends to all living beings. It’s the love that sees the divinity in every person, recognizing that we are all interconnected and deserving of love and respect. Unconditional love is a powerful force for healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

The Beautiful Symbiosis

When humility and unconditional love come together, they create a beautiful symbiosis. Humility helps us recognise our own imperfections, making it easier to extend unconditional love to others. Unconditional love, in turn, nourishes humility by reminding us that we are all in this human experience together.

In this symbiotic relationship, we discover that we don’t need to be perfect to love and be loved. Our imperfections become part of our shared humanity, and we become more compassionate and understanding toward ourselves and others.

As we journey through life, let us remember the transformative power of humility and unconditional love. By embracing these spiritual virtues, we can cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections with others, heal wounds, and contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world.

So, let us practice humility in our daily lives, and let our love be a beacon of light that shines unconditionally on all we encounter. For in the fusion of these two virtues, we find not weakness, but strength; not separation, but unity; and not judgment, but boundless compassion.

With love, Cate 

“Remembering Donald: A Tribute to a Good Man”

In my three heartfelt encounters with Donald before his passing, I was struck by his gracious and humble spirit. Together, we meticulously planned his funeral service, from newspaper announcement, music to the eulogy. 

His legacy was simple yet profound—to be a good man. Donald’s contentment in recounting his happy life served as a testament to the depth of his character. 

In his quiet way, he reminded us of all that a life lived with kindness and humility leaves a lasting impact, far greater than any accolades or possessions. 

Donald’s memory continues to inspire us to be better, to be good people, just as he was.