Creative life Quote by Henri J.M. Nouwen
““The inward man is faced with a new and often dramatic task: He must come to terms with the inner tremendum. Since the God 'out there' or 'up there' is more or less dissolved in the many secular structures, the God within asks attention as never before. And just as the God outside could be experienced not only as a loving father but also as a horrible demon, the God within can be not only the source of a new creative life but also the cause of a chaotic confusion. The greatest complaint of the Spanish mystics St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross was that they lacked a spiritual guide to lead them along the right paths and enable them to distinguish between creative and destructive spirits. We hardly need emphasize how dangerous the experimentation with the interior life can be. Drugs as well as different concentration practices and withdrawal into the self often do more harm than good. On the other hand it also is becoming obvious that those who avoid the painful encounter with the unseen are doomed to live a supercilious, boring and superficial life.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Inner Voice of Love by Henri Nouwen, 1995
We must confront our inner divine, which can inspire creativity or cause chaos, without proper guidance.
In simple terms: Facing inner divinity can be both creative and destructive.
Key Takeaway
Seek guidance when exploring inner spirituality.
Themes
spirituality
inner conflict
guidance
creativity
danger
self‑exploration
Mood
contemplative
cautious
Type
philosophical
advisory
When to use this quote
- meditation retreats
- therapy sessions
- creative projects
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate inner inspiration from inner turmoil?
- What practices help you stay grounded?
A Different Perspective
Inner work can become harmful without disciplined practice or mentorship.
