I

.

The shallow “I” of individualism can be possessed,

 developed, cultivated, pandered to, 

satisfied: it is the center of all our strivings for gain and satisfaction, 

whether material or spiritual.

.

But the deep “I” of the spirit, of solitude and of love, 

cannot be had, possessed, developed, perfected.

 It can only be, and act, 

according to the inner laws that are not of man’s contriving,

 but which come from God. . . .

.

It is beyond limitation. It is beyond selfish affirmation.

.

~ Thomas Merton