When I look back over my many years in the Foundation and Community the experience I treasure most has been my contact with Eileen. Her words to me have truly turned my life around and are living within me still. As important to me as Spiritual Awakening is learning to Love Unconditionally. Similar to the relation of Separation Consciousness to Unity we have the potential to Love others as God loves us. Completely, intimately and without judgement. I approached Eileen after intense suffering at the break up of a romantic relationship I was pursuing ( this was many years ago ). I felt the pain of separation was like a pit of emptiness that had no bottom. She very simply suggested that I was seeking from others what I should be seeking from God.

At first this seemed cold comfort but as I put it into practice in my meditations and inner life it worked a gentle transformation. I practiced the presence of God and let the Love fill my being. I made this my Primary Relationship and the centre of my practice. I watched as my outer relationships transformed. As my inner relationship deepened I discovered how much I loved those around me just as they are. It is a very pleasant experience and one that can be done without others noticing. A bit conspiratorially a gentle bliss ensues that is far more pleasant than the old transactional approach.

Those who know me know that I did not become an angel. All my time I struggled with being judgemental and critical of myself and others. A real headache at times. The Blessing of retirement has allowed me to indulge in fully feeling my affection and delight in others. To drop my stuff and relax into becoming authentic and enjoy it. I will always have trouble loving myself but I don’t let it bother me .

When I wrote “The Parable” I felt I had told only half the story of Limitless Love and Truth. Together they are the right and left feet of the way. The fundamentals of the community. Love without honesty can be lame and honesty without compassion, cruel. I would like to end with a quote from St Paul.

“Love rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love never fails” This is my greatest treasure. It grows and grows. It knows no bounds. It has no bottom.

It cannot be encompassed. I Love it. Thank you Eileen.

Rory O’Connell