We are so miserable that sometimes our poor soul has to endure the fickleness of the body, of which it is a prisoner. The changes of the seasons and the shifts in mood are so obstructive that often the soul cannot do what it wants, and without any fault of its own, it suffers in many ways. It is worse when one insists on overcoming this state, for then the harmful condition lasts longer. Caution is needed: if it is seen that it depends on such causes, then one should not burden the poor soul but accept that we are sick. It may be wise to change the time of meditation, perhaps for several days. Simply let everything be done to better endure this exile.
(Teresa of Jesus, The Book of Life XI,15)
