LOVE
As human beings existing on this planet, we all have an infinite capacity for acts of caring and love. It is not a finite resource to be hoarded. It is an infinite resource to be given freely and generously. It is the foundation of all human relationships, because it is this precious treasure that connects us together as one human family. Without it we would be isolated and alone. Our instincts drive us constantly to give love and affection, but as we grow up this natural desire is stifled by the 'normal' protocols of society that demand that we follow certain rules of behavior or else face ostracism as a result. Even with all the negative things our species has done, love is an exclusive positive phenomenon.
I am not talking about romantic love here - even though that kind of love is important to us too. I mean a general capacity for caring about people whether we are related by blood, marriage or not.
To care for another person is an act of the heart - not really something to do with brains. It is also one of our greatest human attributes. Think about it.
We risk our own lives to save people we do not even know because they are in distress or need assistance or to reach safety, we do this because their life has value simply because they are human. To risk one’s own life for an unknown person is one of the most noble acts that a human being can do.
So, to love is another story.
There are so many ways to define love - again, ultra-subjective I guess - but there is one observation about it that seems true to me. Love makes us want to look after people, protect them, help them reach their potential...it comes from an inner desire to keep other people safe, happy, and healthy...to give what we have and them what they need.
Love is at its deepest and most selfless when we care about people we do not know. This is because love can be so easily tainted by selfish motives when it becomes mixed with other feelings or expectations. That is why it is sometimes referred to as an unconditional love. To give unconditionally requires real depth of caring, patience and the capacity to forgive because there are many conditions attached to love in our world today. However, the list of things that can be acquired in return for someone loving you seems endless.
And yet…. Loving without expecting anything in return is rare and wonderful - and it is free.
Wherever there is the capacity for love, there is a reason to celebrate! I have recently begun telling family closest to me that I love them ...because I do love them, and it is important to me that they know this. I always knew I loved them and thought it was obvious and I suddenly realized that I did not tell them often enough or really express my feelings towards them.
Therefore, I have also decided to let my friends know they are loved...I believe this type of love; unconditional love protects us and makes us braver. I think if we gave this kind of love more often to those around us, there would be less conflict, fewer wars and people would feel less lonely. Just to clarify this form of unconditional love is not about romantic attachment; it is about caring for someone, warts, and all.
So… now you know to be prepared! Please do not hold it against me though....it does not mean that I expect anything in return. Receiving love can make us feel incredibly vulnerable, but it also makes us immensely strong too – it is because we are capable of great acts of kindness, kindness that we often never receive in return.
Love is exclusive.
Love is about caring for others.
Love is not about only about feelings.
The real work of love is in the action.
Love IS the action.
We could suffer a whole lot less if we all loved each other more.
