Quote by Teresa of Avila

True recollection has characteristics by which it can be easily recognized. It produces a certain effect which I do not know how to explain, but which is well understood by those who have experienced it. . . . It is true that recollection has several degrees, and that in the beginning these great effects are not felt, because it is not yet profound enough. But support the pain which you first feel in recollecting yourself, despise the rebellion of nature, overcome the resistance of the body, which loves a liberty which is its ruin, learn self-conquest, persevere thus for a time, and you will perceive very clearly the advantages which you gain from it. As soon as you apply yourself to orison, you will at once feel your senses gather themselves together: they seem like bees which return to the hive and there shut themselves up to work at the making of honey: and this will take place without effort or care on your part. God thus rewards the violence which your soul has been doing to itself; and gives to it such a domination over the senses that a sign is enough when it desires to recollect itself, for them to obey and so gather themselves together. At the first call of the will, they come back more and more quickly. At last, after countless exercises of this kind, God disposes them to a state of utter rest and of perfect contemplation.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the transformative power of recollection, which is the act of gathering one's thoughts and redirecting them towards prayer or introspection. The author describes how true recollection produces a distinct effect, which cannot be easily explained but is deeply understood by those who have experienced it. They encourage the reader to persevere through the initial resistance and discomfort that comes with recollection, as it leads to significant benefits and rewards. With continued practice and self-discipline, recollection becomes natural and effortless, allowing the individual to gain better control over their senses and eventually attain a state of deep contemplation.