Such are the ways

"So is the candle for its flame prepared", says Dante's Beatrice, referring to what we need to do in order to be able to sustain our “flame”, our utmost vision and practice of life.

Beatrice was Dante's unrequited love and muse, and the one who guided him to his ultimate vision of life.

So what exactly is necessary in order for us to be able to manifest and hold that flame?

Dante gives plenty of insight in his Divine Comedy, but I’d like to do a little bit of my own spin off here:

We must be willing to see clearly the workings of our ego and desire.

We must admit we're lost.

We must know remorse, deeply, painfully and personally.

We must yearn for redemption.

We must be willing to let go of what we think we know and who we think we are, trusting in change and the power of genuine intention to find a way.

We must be willing to fumble about blindly, for much too long, before we can see clearly.

We must be willing to not know, and seek no guarantees.

We must be willing to keep walking.

These are some of the ways I know of, in which the candle is prepared to bear its flame, and we are prepared to hold truth, beauty and love in our lives.

Painting: Dante's Dream, by Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
You can read more about it here.

Peace