I remained, lost in oblivion; My face I reclined on the Beloved. All ceased and I abandoned myself, Leaving my cares forgotten among the lilies.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker finds rest by abandoning themselves completely to the beloved, letting go of all cares.
- In plain terms
- I stopped striving and rested against the beloved, forgetting my worries.
- What can you take from it?
- True rest comes from letting go of control and surrendering to love.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What would happen if you let go of your control?
- When do you feel most at rest?
Another view
Surrender can be misinterpreted as passivity or lack of agency.
More from John of the Cross
Oh, night that guided me, Oh, night more lovely than the dawn, Oh, night that joined Beloved with lover, Lover transformed in the Beloved!
Permalink to quote #3 In search of my Love I will go over mountains and strands; I will gather no flowers, I will fear no wild beasts; And pass by the mighty and the frontiers. ~ 3
Permalink to quote #5 In the happy night, In secret, when none saw me, Nor I beheld aught, Without light or guide, save that which burned in my heart.
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
O sweet clean earth, from whom the green blade cometh! When we are dead, my best beloved and I, Close well above us, that we may rest forever, Sending up grass…
Conrad AikenConrad Aiken quote #9 The bride has entered The pleasant and desirable garden, And there reposes to her heart's content; Her neck reclining On the sweet arms of the Beloved. ~ 22
John of the CrossJohn of the Cross quote #11 Mother, mother There's too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother There's far too many of you dying. You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovi…
Marvin GayeMarvin Gaye quote #1