The outward work will never be puny if the inward work is great.  And the outward work can never be great or even good if the onward one is puny or of little worth.  The inward work invariably includes in itself all expansiveness, all breadth, all length, all depth.  Such a work receives and draws all its being from nowhere else except from and in the heart of God. —Meister Eckhart, Dominican Theologian and Christian Mystic, 14th Century

Yes!  Meister Eckhart is a German monk who is very near and dear to my heart.  His writings speak beautifully of our deep connection with nature and how it reflects the Divine Presence.  I consider him a must-read for anyone looking to find an alternative voice in Christianity.  He is definitely one of my spiritual brothers whose wisdom has inspired me for many years.

In the quote above, Eckhart focuses on the power of meditation and contemplation.  He recognizes that the true source of our power comes from within, not without.  Far too many people try to seek the Divine Presence in outward things.  They run from seminar to seminar, book to book, web site to web site, looking for next great thing that will turbocharge their spiritual lives and make them happier and healthier people.  Those of us who have deep spiritual practices know there is no easy way out.  Our true power comes from learning to be still, letting go of our need to control everything, and allowing the power of the Eternal One to flow through us.  Our personal power is limited, but the power of the Spirit is limitless!

In the Charge of the Goddess, Doreen Valiente echoes Eckhart’s words of wisdom: “If that which you seek cannot be found within you, you will never find it outside of you.”  Exactly!  So, let us all take the time to make our “inner work” great so that we can be powerful vessels of transformation and healing in our world!  Blessed be and Amen!

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