Quotes from Teresa of Avila

We may speak of love and humility as the true flowers of spiritual growth; and they give off a wonderful scent, which benefits all those who come near.

Settle yourself in solitude, and you will come upon God in yourself.

Prayer is a friendly conversation with the One we know loves us.

Life is a night spent in an uncomfortable inn.

The life of the spirit is not our life, but the life of God within us.

May God protect me from gloomy saints.

Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us. The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love. Love is not great delight but desire to please God in everything.

If I were to give advice, I would say to parents that they ought to be very careful whom they allow to mix with their children when young; for much mischief thence ensues, and our natural inclinations are unto evil rather than unto good.

I am more afraid of those who are terrified of the devil than I am of the devil himself.

Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.

In light of heaven, the worst suffering on earth will be seen to be no more serious than one night in an inconvenient hotel.

From heaven even the most miserable life will look like one bad night at an inconvenient hotel.