‘A human being has so many skins inside, covering the depths of the heart.’
‘We know so many things,’ continues Eckhart, ‘but we don’t know ourselves! Why, thirty or forty skins or hides, as thick and hard as an ox’s or bear’s, cover the soul. Go into your own ground and learn to know yourself there.’
This is hugely practical advice from Eckhart – and much better understood in the 21st century than in the 14th.
We now know how repeated experience, day after day, in our formative years creates thick layers of protection within us.
These layers form in order to help us survive; and how important they are. But, in the long term, they do not help us to thrive.
We are more vulnerable, but freer, without them.
So when we are ready, one by one, the layers need to be thanked for their service and then kindly discarded – even though they are as thick and hard as an ox’s skin! (So do be kind to yourself along the way.)
Remarkable and soul-healing psychology from the Meister.
