How to LOVE … (02/07/09)
Some poignant advice on how best to Love during this lifetime:
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*Avoid striving to love a particular “whom” — just LOVE … The more we primarily focus on caring for those in our “friends and family”, the more readily we slip into apathy &/or indifference when coming into contact with the other 99.9% of the population.
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*Avoid getting caught up & avoid pushing away … Love is not about enmeshing in the self of the other; nor is it about establishing an emotional perimeter of “prudence” (see “healthy boundaries”) around your heart. Love simply Cares-all-out in the moment, for only that moment — and then It seeks to repeat this effort in all moments next.
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*Avoid waiting for a “better moment” or a “better partner” … Love exists only in the present moment. Love always acts NOW — and we must do the same if we are to experience it. Regardless of whom we are with or what they require, just do it!
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*Avoid analysis, comparison, & all forms of negative thinking … Love does not require perfection to be exuded. Indeed, it is for those who are “imperfect” that Love does the most good. See the positive worth in the person next to you and find a way to care for the Essence beyond their behaviors.
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*Avoid all personal desires & hopes …Love is not given in order to make people happier. If others choose to receive your Love and thereby feel more at ease, that’s great — and yet that is not why Love is given. Love is given to give It — period.
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*Avoid trying to “fix” others … Accept people as they allReady are. Love does not care for others in order to “change them for the better”. Love cares for others to extend them compassion for their suffering &/or to bring them joy — period.
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*Before Loving, pause to forgive self and others … Love is neutered when tainted by underlying thoughts of blame or regret. Cleanse yourself of both before Caring for another.
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*Minimize the distance between yourSelf and others … In the beginning, it can be helpful to imagine how you would treat a person if you knew they only had a few hours to live — Do so, and then act accordingly.
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This is the way to Love — This is the Way of Peace.
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