The first mode is a desire that comes forth from love with great energy. This must reign in the heart for a long time before it has the power completely to drive out all its adversaries. It must work at this task with strength and skill and find its fulfillment in so doing. This mode is a desire that surely comes forth from love. That is, the good soul has the will loyally to follow and truly to love so that she is drawn forth in the desire to receive and to exist is purity and freedom, and in the nobility in which she was made by her Creator, according to his image and likeness. This tendency is to be loved and nurtured...
All the while, this soul earnestly seeks to know what she is and what she should be, what she has and what is lacking to her desire. With all her efforts, with great desire and all possible skill, she strains to prevent and to shun all that might hinder or harm such working. Her heart never resists or desists from seeking, supplicating, learning, or drawing to herself and holding onto, all that might help her and bring her further towards love.
Seven Modes of Love, 1 (Trans Michael Casey, OCSO)