Sometimes, we hold onto things so tightly that we don't even realize our hands are full. This beautiful, though challenging, quote from John of the Cross reminds us that even when we cling to something good, that very attachment can act like an anchor, keeping us from reaching a higher state of freedom and spiritual connection. It is a profound way of saying that true liberty comes from an open heart, one that isn't weighed down by the fear of losing what we love.
In our everyday lives, this doesn't always mean we are clinging to bad habits or toxic people. Often, we are clinging to the 'good' things: a comfortable job, a predictable routine, or even a cherished memory. These things are wonderful, but when we become so dependent on them for our identity or happiness, we create a little cage for our souls. We stop growing because we are too afraid to let go of the safety of the known to embrace the vastness of the unknown.
I remember a time when I was so focused on perfecting my little garden patch. I spent every waking hour worrying about every single petal and every tiny insect. I loved my flowers so much that I became a prisoner to their needs, feeling immense anxiety whenever a bud didn't bloom exactly as I planned. I was so attached to the 'perfect' outcome that I missed the joy of simply being present in the sunlight. I was physically in the garden, but my spirit was trapped in a loop of control and expectation.
It took a heavy storm to teach me that the beauty of the garden lies in its wild, changing nature. When I finally learned to let go of the need to control every leaf, I felt a sudden, lightness in my chest. I could finally breathe and truly connect with the earth around me. That sense of release is what the quote means by divine union—it is the peace that comes when we stop grasping and start flowing.
As you go about your day, I invite you to gently scan your heart. Is there something good that you are holding onto a little too tightly? You don't have to let go of everything all at once, but perhaps you can try loosening your grip just a tiny bit today. Allow yourself the space to be free.