If you lose an opportunity you will be like one who lets the bird fly away; you will never get it back

If you lose an opportunity you will be like one who lets the bird fly away; you will never get it back

Saint John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic and poet, understood the importance of seizing opportunities and not letting them slip away. His teachings emphasized the need to actively pursue spiritual growth and enlightenment, recognizing that opportunities for growth and transformation are fleeting and must be grasped when they present themselves.

In the context of Saint John of the Cross's teachings, the quote "If you lose an opportunity you will be like one who lets the bird fly away; you will never get it back" takes on a profound significance. Just as a bird once released cannot be easily recaptured, opportunities for spiritual growth and enlightenment are not easily regained once they have passed. Saint John of the Cross believed that each moment presents an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation, and that failing to seize these opportunities can lead to stagnation and a lack of progress on the spiritual path.

For Saint John of the Cross, the pursuit of spiritual growth required a willingness to let go of attachments and embrace the unknown. He believed that true transformation could only occur through a process of surrender and letting go, allowing oneself to be guided by divine grace. By failing to seize opportunities for growth and transformation, one risks missing out on the chance to deepen their spiritual connection and experience true enlightenment.

In his writings, Saint John of the Cross often used the metaphor of the bird to symbolize the soul's longing for union with the divine. Just as a bird longs to soar freely in the sky, the soul longs to be united with God. By letting opportunities for spiritual growth slip away, one risks losing sight of this ultimate goal and becoming trapped in a cycle of worldly attachments and distractions.