When I moved to my first apartment after my divorce, it marked the only time in my life that I had rented a space on my own…ever. It may seem trivial to some, but this move represented a huge part of the rediscovery and redefinition of self that often accompanies a life change.  A higher power was looking out for me when I found the small one bedroom apartment just a few blocks from where I had lived before.  On my first tour, I meet the building manager and his wife. They lived on the first floor and had a constant stream of grandkids visiting and playing in the courtyard. I immediately felt safe. This was so very important given the circumstance of my separation which I have not shared as yet. It felt as if they had expected me and were in fact, waiting for me. In retrospect this was the Divine working directly within me in a desperate moment of need. I paid the deposit on the spot with everything that I had in my bank account and prepared for my new independence.

Shortly after settling in, I inquired with the building manager about setting up a small community library shelf.  To my surprise the answer was yes! I joyfully scrapped together some change and bought an inexpensive IKEA book shelf. I soon filled it with the books that I had been hauling around for a very long time. It was like a weight had been lifting and at the same time a connection formed with my new community. Soon the neighbors started to add to the collection and some even shared with me how much the small library warmed up the building space. This is when I experienced another divine intervention.  One day when organizing the shelf, I noticed a small and worn paperback.  It was called Love Never Faileth.  My first thought was, “yes it does fail, look at me now!”  Even with that internal dialogue, I was still draw to this book. I flipped it over and read the back, and turned it back over and gazed at the cover. It absolutely called to me for reasons I did not fully understand. I borrowed the book and set it on my nightstand not opening it for yet another three months.

I do not recall the circumstances that finally lead me to pick it up and read, but once I began I could not put it down. Eknath Easwaran was a spiritual teacher that understood the universal truths of spirituality and was not afraid to blur the lines of practice. This book specifically has been a treasured addition to my war chest of inspirational books.  I finally bought my own copy and have read it repeatedly.  I can pick up the book at any time and open to a random page, read a few paragraphs and feel inspired.  It is as if it is speaking directly to me. The language permeates my being and moves me in a deep and meaningful way.

Mr. Easwaran investigates love in the eyes of four historically prominent figures: St. Francis (my personal favorite), St Paul, Mother Teresa and St Augustine. The commonality of all four is astounding.  When faced with a difficult situation, I read a few pages and most often feel the weight of my issues start to fade. In its place is a welcome reminder that we are all tasked with treating others in a loving way, especially when it is most difficult. It takes me out of my head and into my heart.

I place Eknath Easwaran firmly in the family of modern mystics. He was not afraid to cross traditional religious boundaries to demonstrate we are more alike than we are different. He also believed in the nurturing of an intimate and personal relationship with the Divine in addition to the religious practice that one might choose.  It is because of him that my mantra is the prayer of St Francis (see below).  I have memorized it and repeat it multiple times a day as needed. It always, without fail, brings me back to the pools of my soul. For that I am eternally grateful for the angels that lovingly introduced me to Love Never Faileth, Eknath Easwaran and St Francis.

A Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury pardon,

Where there is doubt, faith,

Where there is despair, hope,

Where there is darkness, light,

and where there is sadness, joy.

 

O Divine master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,

To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.