The soul can stand before Christ, become accustomed to him, and deeply fall in love with his holy humanity, continually live in his presence and converse with him: asking him about her needs, complaining to him about her troubles, and rejoicing with him in comforts – and this without striving for elaborate prayers, but simply using words that correspond to her desires and needs. It is an excellent way to progress, and very quickly too. And whoever strives to remain continuously in this precious company will make good use of it and will genuinely reciprocate love to this Lord, to whom we owe so much; I consider such a person to be advanced.
(St. Teresa of Jesus, The Book of Life 12,2)
