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In “The Inner Voice of Love,” spiritual author Henri Nouwen writes:
You can look at your life as a large cone that becomes narrower the deeper you go. There are many doors in that cone that give you chances to leave the journey. But you have been closing these doors one after the other, making yourself go deeper and deeper into your center. You that God is waiting for you at the end, just as you know that he is guiding you as you move in that direction. Every time you close another door–be it the door of immediate satisfaction, the door of distracting entertainment, the door of busyness, the door of guilt and worry, or the door of self-rejection–you commit yourself to go deeper into your heart and thus deeper into the heart of God.
I demonstrate this a little, as usual. Enjoy the show!
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posted June 4, 2009 at 12:04 am
Hello, Therese -
Thank you for this. Your honesty and wit are so refreshing. I take away a lot from Nouwen’s reflection and the way the cone image works for you. AND I’ve had a long heart-warming laugh at the same time about Ms. Cone’s personality and her crude attempt to upstage you by sandpapering the mic and blocking half your light. No wonder it’s hard closing some of those doors! Seriously, winding down that cone is the most difficult journey in any life, and I’m grateful for your saving touch of humor as you work your way through it.
Love & hugs — John
posted June 4, 2009 at 5:41 am
Mrs. Therese J. Borchard:
I have tried to type my comments twice this am. but I must be too slow for your posting system. Is there a way to email comments from my above email address?
I desire to make a few comments before this tells me to refresh and I have lost my comments again.
posted June 4, 2009 at 10:37 am
I have never been diagnosed with a mental health issue but your posts speak to me on such a profound level it’s amazing! I read your posts and always learn something new, always get a boost when I need it most and always get a new tool in my arsenal against my own negativity (obsessions). Thank you, you are a blessing and sister though you don’t know me.
posted June 4, 2009 at 2:15 pm
No matter how difficult our life may seem,we will not allow HOPE to become a HOPELESS word in our life.If we do,we are defining our spiritual living as if there is no God’s word that exist to put our
hopes for.I am living a difficult life,i know in my spirit that i am not alone with this battle,by faith i will overcome this part of my life,knowing that i have God to supply and sustain me,by faith i shall live.
posted June 4, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Hi, Fred!
Some members find that typing the comment elsewhere, such as Word Perfect, then copying/pasting into the combox saves a lot of trouble. Worth a shot!
Beliefnet_Tiger
Community Monitor
Beliefnet.com
beliefnet.community@beliefnet.com
posted June 4, 2009 at 9:17 pm
EXCELLENT ,wonderful analagy.in this endless sea of options we call life,each conscious decision to cease repetative unprosperous choices drains the seas tempestous ability to drown us & makes the channel more narrow & direct
posted June 4, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Your Name
June 4, 2009 9:17 PM
EXCELLENT ,wonderful analagy.in this endless sea of options we call life,each conscious decision to cease repetative unprosperous choices drains the seas tempestous ability to drown us & makes the channel more narrow & direct
posted June 4, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Fantastic. Short and simple.
We must let go of earthly things.
posted June 5, 2009 at 8:43 pm
While I enjoyed your video about the cone, I realized that it could also be described as a “whirlpool” in the ocean (or even a swimming pool). The more the whirlpool pulls us in, inexcorably, unceasingly, the closer we become to God. He is with us through the “pull,” as though we have no choice but to be “drowned” in His love. However, the closing of doors is also a good example, in that it requires actual “work” and CHOICES, to get to the Heart of God.
Keep up the GREAT work, Therese; I so enjoy your videos. AS a matter of fact, you’re getting prettier with each one!!
posted June 5, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I wrote the above writing; just hit the wrong button!!
posted August 3, 2010 at 2:15 am
Thank you for this post. I love Nouwen’s work, but I wasn’t familiar with this quote. Your video is very helpful and meaningful. I feel very blessed to be able to read your blog everyday.