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About this quote

What does it mean?
The beloved passes quickly through the world, yet imparts beauty to everything simply by being present.
In plain terms
He moved quickly through the woods but made them beautiful just by looking at them.
What can you take from it?
Presence alone can transform and beautify the surroundings.

Where it applies

  • everyday life
  • interactions
  • nature

Putting it to work

  • be fully present
  • recognize beauty in passing

Questions to consider

  • Who or what brings beauty just by being there?
  • How does presence change a place?

Another view

Beauty granted by presence may be temporary if the presence departs.

More from John of the Cross

  1. 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
  2. Reveal Thy presence, And let the vision and Thy beauty kill me, Behold the malady Of love is incurable Except in Thy presence and before Thy face. ~ 11

    Permalink to quote #7
  3. 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.

    Permalink to quote #4

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