Gung hay fat choy (Happy New Year in Chinese)!!! Last month we discussed awareness, this month we discuss LOVE! @ Morning Crane we love LOVE! In Greek there are 3 words for Love: Eros, is romantic love, Philia, is reciprocal love among friends. (Philadelphia) (Philia/Delphi [Delphi means Womb]) Eros & Philia are focused on others.
The 3rd type of Love is AGAPE. Agape is an overflowing love that is unconditional and seeks nothing in return. This is the type of love that creates miracles and changes the world.
Love is Life, Life is Love. Sound simple? Perhaps not. Agape resides deep within you. It is the Life Force Energy (Chi) that emanates in all living things. It keeps our heart beating and breath flowing. We all have access to it. Yet accessing it is the most powerful work you will ever do, and the most challenging. Why is it so challenging?
Because of the natural cynicism of our minds. “Oh that’s just airy-fairy stuff.” or “Nobody loves me, so why should I bother.” Sound familiar?! Your critical mind will do everything it can to keep you from experiencing the fullness of your potential. It will prevent you from gaining contact with the Love that is the source of Life within you.
Feeling Unconditional Love does not mean that you are going to always have a beatific smile on your face while you are being faced with decreased income, loss of home, or difficulty in your relationships. The Love we are talking about is not syrupy, sweet, and blind. It is the deepest essence of your Being. It requires practice and discipline. Learn how to return to this as your home base, no matter what you are confronted with. This will be the most rewarding transformation you will ever experience in this Life. Change your life in ways you never imagined possible.
Ask yourself: What can I do today that gives back to me? What actions can I take to show a bit of appreciation towards myself? Where can I go that is going to uplift me and make me feel good now and tomorrow?
Here are a couple of suggestions:
- First of all, it is necessary to recognize the uncomfortable feelings you are holding onto about yourself. Come into contact with any judgments, criticism, self-loathing you may be experiencing for yourself.
- Notice anyway you move away from these feelings, the way you avoid this part of yourself, because you make the very presence of these feelings wrong. It’s a vicious cycle: Judging the judgments.
- Now, for just a moment, sit quietly, and breath into this discomfort, no matter what it contains. This is not a moment to figure it out, analyze or resolve anything. It is a moment to be present with your own vulnerability and pain. To allow the heart to open it is necessary that we bring an energy of tenderness, caring, kindness, gentleness; in essence, we must meet our self with compassion and accept who we are.
Breath into your heart, notice any tension. Let your breath melt the tension and leave your body. Keep doing this until you feel a loosening of your heart, an opening. This opening is what allows Love to flourish inside of you – Go for it! Enjoy!!! With Love anything is possible.
