The Soul’s Journey
Reflections on The Interior Castle
by
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A stage in life emerges when the pace of life requires a check made on it, for even the desire for that which was previously perceived as more important and greater in material terms now becomes less. Then the person or rather their soul, seeks sustenance from other sources. Even amidst rainforests, animal rights, human rights and justice, a thirst for a greater knowledge and understanding of life starts to stir within us. This springs from the fountain of life giving essence, and awareness slowly steeps in, as a realisation is made of the beauty of life that surrounds us. According to Teresa, it is the soul that has become ‘enlivened’ and the connection made with God – with the Creator, who is the source of all things.
How do we begin to understand the needs of the soul and how we can help it achieve further growth? Simply from the start, there are no easy steps to take and the journey is arduous and long. So be prepared for the next stage of your life, to become a lengthy spiritual sojourn. It is noteworthy to understand that from Teresa of Avila’s perspective, the interior castle of the soul is built upon seven levels or mansions, with each having many rooms. The levels represent a maturation of spiritual understanding that is able to be attained, by some but not all, in this earthly life. With the ascent of each progressively higher level, the less likely we are to succeed, as it is both strenuous and arduous, like climbing Mt Everest which few ever do, and requires a lot of preparation and commitment. How much effort we put into that is decided by oneself, as each person has free will. Life is all about preparation when we arrive into incarnation in this world until we finally need to leave and say goodbye. Next the journey through the mansions begins.
Seven reflections are offered for the soul journeyer, to provide insight into each of the mansions of the crystal castle, described by Teresa of Avila. Each brief reflection is made before entering into each of the mansions.
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About the Book
The Soul’s Journey is a desirable book for the soul journeyer who has begun his or her spiritual quest. It was written with respect of The Interior Castle, the monumental work written by Teresa of Avila, whose writing is the wellspring that has quenched the thirst of many. It is the foundation from which all other sources have flowed—translations, meditations, and now this brief book that offers insight from seven reflections.
The reflections and landmarks are made by the author on the mansions of The Interior Castle for those who seek to engage in the transformational process of their spiritual pilgrimages. Glimpses are thus caught of the soul’s journey throughout the interior mansions. Facets of the journey are reflected to engage within the wisdom of Teresa’s writing that can never be replicated.
The intention is for the soul journeyer to grow in the wholeness of mind, body, and soul, as well as in one’s own humanness as he or she engages with the rawness of the soul to refine that rawness, to become authentic, and to realize his or her full potential in that search for the divine one within.
About the Author
The spiritual wellbeing of life compels me, and for those around me throughout our global world.
My soul is nourished through meditation, contemplative prayer, and the practice of Lectio Divina. I am a member of the Monasteries of the Heart—‘a new movement for a new world’—a secular way of living Benedictine spirituality, a venture of the Benedictine Sisters of Pennsylvania USA.