The Soul Should Get Used to Recollection

And even though it isn't aware of this at the beginning, since the (prayer of) recollection is not so deep - for there are greater and lesser degrees of recollection - the soul should get used to this recollection; although in the beginning the body causes difficulty, because it claims its rights without realizing that it is cutting off its own head by not surrendering. If we make the effort, practice this recollection for some days, and get used to it, the gain will be clearly seen; we will understand, when beginning to pray, that the bees are approaching and entering the beehive to make honey. And this recollection will be effected without our effort because the Lord has desired that, during the time the faculties are drawn inward, the soul and its will may merit to have this dominion. When the soul does no more than give a sign that it wishes to be recollected, the senses obey it and become recollected. Even though they go out again afterward, their having already surrendered is a great thing; for they go out as captives and subjects and do not cause the harm they did previously. And when the will calls them back again, they come more quickly, until after many of these entries the Lord wills that they rest entirely in perfect contemplation.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:7