Our basic stance in life and toward God is one of receptivity rather than achievement. This is the heart of the contemplative way: receptivity to God who is always coming to us in love.—SoulStream Community, Values

I consider how God works and labours for me in all things created on the face of the earth… Ignatius of Loyola, Contemplation on Divine Love, The Spiritual Exercises

What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. –Luke 12:29 (The Message)

You are always
coming to us in love.

I was about to jump ahead,
and my friend said, 
“Let’s sit with this a while,”
and I felt my body relax.

On a walk, 
I noticed
my breath
emptying and receiving,
emptying and receiving.

I was struggling with
something I could not change,
then imagined You,
unperturbed,
working for me.

More often I find myself
enjoying the task
I’m doing 
instead of
rushing to get it done.

On a long bicycle ride,
in the glory
of wide open spaces,
in the company
of hills, fields, trees,
poppies, marmots,
horses, cattle and deer,
a thought came to me–
wisdom and a way forward.

Nothing we do
or don’t do
stops you.

You are always 
coming to us,
freeing us to
receive love,
give love,
hold love,
and be love.

The sun is shining in the south
And I breathe you in, and I breathe you out
And I breathe in love / Breathe out to give love
Breathe in to hold love / Breathe out to be love
—Sara Thomsen, Rhapsody of Rest

* * *

Are you longing for deeper connection, greater peace, and a more authentic way of living? Living from the Heart is SoulStream’s nine-month spiritual formation course, designed to help you grow in intimacy with God, yourself, and others. Through contemplative practices, personal transformation, and authentic community, you’ll discover a life centered in the heart of God.
Apply by July 18, 2025 for the in-person cohort.
Apply by August 30 for the online cohort (the one I will be co-facilitating this year).

Credits and References:
“Kodiak and the butterfly” by doug ellis. Used with permission. 
Always Coming to Us in Love by Esther Hizsa, 2025
Park bench by steve p2008 Used with permission

© Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim, 2025.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without permission from Esther Hizsa is prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used provided there is a link to the original content and credit is given as follows: © Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim 2013-2025.  http://www.estherhizsa.com