Juliana lived in the fourteenth century, spending the majority of her life secluded in a small stone cell adjacent to a church. Her sole companion during this time was a cat.
What lessons can Juliana of Norwich impart to us today? For those fascinated by mysticism, the insights are profound. At 30 years old, as she was recovering from a severe illness that nearly claimed her life, Juliana experienced a series of profound visions. She referred to these experiences as "showings" and believed them to be direct communications from God. These visions profoundly influenced her, and she dedicated herself to understanding and sharing their meanings.
Juliana devoted the remainder of her life to interpreting the meaning of these visions and, following what she believed to be divine instruction, she recorded and shared these messages in a book. Remarkably, this book holds the distinction of being the first known work written by a woman in English literature, making it a significant milestone in literary history.
In the contemporary translation titled "Julian of Norwich: The Showings, God of Love," author Mirabai Starr sheds new light on Juliana’s teachings, making them accessible to modern readers. Starr emphasizes that Juliana’s writings, while repetitive, focus on a few central themes. These themes are summarized by Starr as follows:
Juliana teaches that God’s love is not about adhering to rules or fearing retribution, but is instead centered on mercy and compassion. Her view radically shifts the focus from judgment to understanding and kindness, offering a more compassionate approach to spirituality.
She reveals that our failures and sins are opportunities for love and personal growth, rather than occasions for despair and self-recrimination. Juliana encourages us to see our mistakes not as endpoints, but as beginnings for deeper self-awareness and connection with the divine.
Juliana reassures us that, despite how things may appear, everything is fundamentally well. She encourages us to see with the eyes of love, assuring us that everything is as it should be at every moment. This optimistic outlook invites a profound sense of peace and acceptance in the face of life's challenges.
Juliana’s concept of God was unconventional for her time. Living in Norwich, England, she frequently felt compelled to praise the "Holy Church," perhaps due to the ecclesiastical scrutiny she was under. Nevertheless, her teachings diverged significantly from the biblical and doctrinal norms of her era, particularly in her understanding of God. Unlike the stern and distant deity often depicted by her contemporaries, Juliana envisioned a God who was intimately involved in the minutiae of human existence.
Like many mystics, Juliana had an intensely personal relationship with God. Starr notes that "Julian’s God is not a distant patriarchal figure ruling from above, but rather her intimate companion and beloved." Juliana engaged in a spiritual practice known as "union," through which she experienced a profound oneness with God. She also embraced the femininity within the divine, referring to God interchangeably as both female and male, suggesting a balance and inclusivity in her spiritual perspective.
Here are some of the most impactful teachings of Juliana of Norwich, as translated by Mirabai Starr. The excerpts are organized thematically and slightly edited for clarity:
God is perpetually present with us. There is no place where God is not, as He created everything in existence. This omnipresence of God reassures us that we are never alone.
God’s care extends to all things, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Nothing happens by chance; everything is guided by God’s omniscient wisdom. Juliana emphasizes the intentionality behind every event, reinforcing the idea of a purposeful universe.
God’s presence is eternally established within us, never abandoning the soul but residing in it forever. This constant companionship of God provides a deep sense of security and belonging.
Our Beloved, God, is always with us, enveloping us in gentle love and never leaving our side. This unwavering presence is a source of comfort and strength, especially in times of distress.
To truly know God, one must look within their own soul. Juliana teaches that introspection and self-awareness are key to spiritual enlightenment.
A complete understanding of God requires knowing our true selves, as He finds joy in our comprehension. This reciprocal relationship between self-knowledge and divine knowledge highlights the importance of inner exploration.
God dwells in us with infinite bliss, drawing us deeper into our inner selves. The deeper we go within, the closer we come to experiencing divine joy.
When the soul finds peace within itself, it becomes one with God instantaneously. Inner peace is presented as both a goal and a path to divine unity.
The greatest insights of the soul come through love. God desires that we root everything in contemplation and enjoyment of love. Love is the foundation of true understanding and connection with the divine.
Sometimes we forget about God, yet He remains with us. This reassurance helps to alleviate guilt and fear, reminding us of God's unwavering support.
There are times when we feel surrounded by God’s comforting presence, and other times when we feel abandoned and alone. Yet God supports us equally in both circumstances. Juliana’s message is one of constant divine support, regardless of our perceptions.
God does not wish for us to despair over our frequent shortcomings. Our faults do not diminish His love for us. This message of unconditional love offers hope and encouragement.
God’s love is the foundation of our lives. He is our eternal protector, and all we need to do is rest in the peace within ourselves for God to fully safeguard us. Trusting in divine love and protection is central to Julian’s teachings.
God is with us, even if we are unaware of His presence. This constant divine presence provides a deep sense of spiritual security.
God’s love for humanity is immense, treating the least soul with the same regard as the blessed Christ. This egalitarian view of divine love emphasizes the inherent worth of every individual.
Anger stems from stubborn opposition to peace and love and arises from a lack of power, wisdom, or goodness—deficiencies that lie within us, not God. Juliana encourages us to recognize and overcome our inner deficiencies to align with divine love.
We must confront evil, even if it brings discomfort or pain, and pray for the time when God will reveal Himself again and fill our hearts with the sweetness of His presence. Facing challenges with faith and patience is a key aspect of her teachings.
When we are not at peace, God is our true peace and refuge. He continually works to restore our inner peace. This promise of divine refuge and restoration offers hope during turbulent times.
God embodies both Mother and Father. Just as God is our Father, He is also our Mother, possessing the qualities of nature, love, wisdom, and knowledge. This duality emphasizes a balanced and nurturing aspect of the divine.
In all her actions, the Mother aspect of God is like a nurturing caregiver, whose sole purpose is to attend to the needs of her children, keeping them safe and joyful. Juliana's depiction of God as a nurturing mother highlights the tenderness and care of the divine.
God rejoices in all that we do and are, finding the greatest joy when we believe in her love and celebrate with her. Recognizing and celebrating divine love brings mutual joy between humanity and God.
Prepared by Jasmin Koso
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