Nada Te Turbe (Let Nothing Disturb You): Reflection on St. Teresa of Avila’s Timeless Wisdom

As you know, this is my sacred space to pour out all my inspirations and current hyperfixations. Lately, I’ve been diving into the life and wisdom of the 15th-century saint, Teresa of Avila—a Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, and gifted poet/writer. She’s best known for her profound spiritual writings, which have become spiritual classics. Right now, I’m halfway through The Interior Castle, and let me tell you—it’s overflowing with much insight and wisdom. Expect a podcast episode breaking it down soon! But today, I want to reflect on one of her most powerful poems: Nada Te Turbe.

I’ve included the poem below in both Spanish and English for you to read and enjoy. Personally, I think the Spanish version captures its essence best—there’s just something about the way Spanish carries romance, poetry, and spirituality. English, with its rougher edges, sometimes falls short on delivering the same depth of beauty and love. I wish my love for scribbling words extended to the beautiful romantic Spanish language as well, but unfortunately, I never received any formal education in it. My mom handed me a silabario (a vowel syllabus) once in grade school and basically said, “You’re on your own, kid.” So, I read Spanish very slowly and steadily—and as for writing it? Let’s just say I barely manage lol.

I’ve been sitting with this poem daily since discovering it. The opening lines—Nada te turbe, nada te espante—were familiar to me long before I realized where they came from. I’d heard them echoed by spiritual teachers, and even my mom/ and grandma would say them from time to time. But I never fully explored their origin until now.

This poem speaks to my own inner anxieties—the moments when life doesn’t go the way I want, when I experience loss, or when I feel overwhelmed by the trials and tribulations of simply being human. Let nothing disturb you, let nothing shake you—everything passes. Whoever has God lacks nothing. These words sink deep into my soul, especially in moments when I feel the weight of life pressing down on me. Or when fear creeps in—the fear of the unknown, of not having every single day of my future mapped out. The uncertainties of life really ruffle my feathers. But St. Teresa reminds me to elevate my thoughts, to shift my perspective even in moments of pain, betrayal, loneliness, misunderstanding, or the growing noise of social unrest that seems louder every day. This poem gently urges me to seek grace in difficult times and to trust that this too shall pass.

It also reaffirms the deep love I feel in my connection with the Divine—how full and complete I am within my own spirit. Life may not be perfect, but I am content. With the Divine by my side, I can endure anything: ridicule, criticism, social unrest, even rock bottom. This poem reminds me to be grateful for every season of life, not just the good ones, but also the ones that test me. Even when the external world moves at a hundred miles an hour, my internal world can remain as solid and calm as a meditative stroll by the ocean.

I hope these words bring the same peace to your soul as they have to mine. Please enjoy St. Teresa of Avila’s beautiful wisdom, and may they leave you a little more inspired.