Balls Quote by Thomas Merton
“You have got me walking up and down all day under those trees, saying to me over and over again, "Solitude, solitude." And You have turned around and thrown the world in my lap. You have told me, "Leave all things and follow me," and then You have tied half of New York to my foot like a ball and chain. You have got me kneeling behind that pillar with my mind making a noise like a bank. Is that contemplation?”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain, 1948
The speaker feels torn between spiritual solitude and worldly burdens, questioning true contemplation.
In simple terms: Struggle between spiritual call and earthly ties.
Key Takeaway
Seek clarity in spiritual practice.
Themes
spirituality
conflict
solitude
Mood
reflective
conflicted
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- monastic life
- personal crisis
- spiritual retreats
Key Concepts
existential doubt
faith
attachment
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true contemplation feel like?
- How can one release worldly attachments?
A Different Perspective
Contemplation may be confused with distraction.
