*LOSE - also see SURRENDER, LOVE
You must desire to lose the knowledge and experience of self. THIS IS ESSENTIAL IF YOU ARE TO EXPERIENCE GOD'S LOVE AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE IN THIS LIFE. Unless you lose self you will never reach your goal. Your own blind being will remain between you and your God. Realize how heavy and painful is the burden of self. Be a cross to yourself. Yet this is the way to our Lord and the real meaning of his words: "Let a man first take up his cross" and will prepare you for the transcendent experience of God as he is and for union with him in consummate love. (Contemplation, p27-28)