"Je pense toujours que la meilleure façon de connaître Dieu est d'aimer beaucoup de choses."

The essence of the idea here is pretty straightforward: by embracing a love for various aspects of life, you come to understand a higher power—call it God, the universe, or whatever resonates with you. It's about seeing the divine in the multitude of things that bring joy, beauty, and meaning to our lives.

This sentiment finds its roots in the idea that the divine or the spiritual isn't confined to churches, temples, or any kind of formal worship. Instead, it's woven into the fabric of everyday experiences and passions. This quote is often attributed to Vincent Van Gogh, the famous painter. For Van Gogh, who struggled with his own mental health and found solace in art and the natural world, this belief was profoundly personal.

Take a moment to think about a time when you felt a deep sense of connection—maybe while hiking through a forest, listening to your favorite piece of music, or even cooking a meal for loved ones. Each of these moments is a thread in the tapestry of life, vibrant and rich with meaning. My friend Sarah, for instance, finds her own slice of the divine in gardening. She once transformed a barren backyard into a blooming oasis, and in doing so, she felt a profound connection to something greater than herself. The process of nurturing plants, watching them grow, and bringing beauty into the world was her way of touching the divine.

If you're wondering how to bring this idea into your everyday routine, start small. Think about what you love—really love. Is it reading? Spend an hour lost in a book. Is it music? Take time to listen to a song that moves you. The point is to immerse yourself in the things that light up your soul. By doing so, you're not just enjoying yourself; you're connecting to a deeper sense of purpose and understanding.

Imagine a scenario where you're feeling down or disconnected. It happens to all of us. Instead of retreating, you decide to take a walk in the park. You notice the intricate patterns on the leaves, the sounds of birds chirping, and the way the sunlight filters through the trees. In those moments, you start to feel a sense of peace and connection. It's as if the world around you is whispering secrets of the universe, and you're in on it.

This isn't about ignoring the challenges and hardships of life. It's about finding those pockets of joy and meaning and understanding that they are also part of the divine tapestry. The more you immerse yourself in these experiences, the more you understand the vast, beautiful complexity of life—and, in turn, the nature of the divine.

In essence, loving many things isn't just about diversifying your interests. It's about opening your heart and mind to the myriad ways the divine manifests in the world. It's a journey of constant discovery, often leading to a richer, more fulfilled life. So, next time you find yourself captivated by something, cherish it. You're not just enjoying a moment; you're getting to know the divine a little better.