February’s theme is love. We celebrate Valentines’ Day this month, which on one level is the epitome of commercialism. On the other hand, why not contemplate, celebrate and cultivate love this day and every day? Love is far more than an emotion. It’s a power and a force. Love creates. Moreover, it has the potential to resolve conflict and heal.
“The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti
On the spiritual plain, love is that Higher Power – God, the Divine, Source, whatever you want to call it – to which we’re all connected. Often equated to light, we’re all moving toward it. This light is also within each and every one of us. This inner force drives us toward its source, the greater light. It’s up to us to discover and nurture this energy in ways most beneficial to ourselves and others. We can connect to and express it in many ways. It’s not an object you can place in a petri dish to dissect and study. It can only be felt and experienced in the ways it’s shown and felt from within. It’s the most powerful force in the universe.
“Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, you owe me. Look what happens with a love like that, it lights the whole sky.” – Hafiz
The ancient Greek philosophers pondered love’s expression and qualified it in a number of ways. These are most often referred to as:
- Eros, the love of sexual union
- Storge, the love of family
- Philia, the love for friends
- Agape, the love for all beings
Humanity is going through a really rough patch. We’re in a stage of figuring out how to move forward and co-exist. Blaming and shaming only fuels the fire of divisiveness. While we may share differences on many levels, there are things upon which we can all agree. The existence of love is key among them. Similarly, when we turn to the guidance of the universal principles such as truth and devotion we’ll find common ground needed to heal.
See related blog on Truth: Trust in Yourself!
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Finally, there are many antidotes to cure us when we’re mired in love’s opposite energy. Hate and negativity deplete us, make us ill, and lead us nowhere. One of the most simple ways to snap out of this dark state is to recite a short mantra saying “I am Divine Love.” Repeat it often when you feel the need. Better still, make it a regular practice. Another longer practice is the classic Loving Kindness meditation. Listen now »
You can also read on yogajournal.com “The Power of Love Meditation,” which outlines the ancient tradition of how to clear the heart and quiet the mind.
Whenever we have a choice, the higher road is the best option.
Empower yourself with love.
February’s Scent of the Month: Rose Oil. A rose is the ultimate symbol of admiration. Energetically, its oil holds a high vibration which elicits desire, both romantic and Divine. The scent is sweet and mellow and unmistakably touches the heart. In addition to its use in many skin products and as a culinary additive, it’s also believed to be an anti-depressant. For more information on how to use it and to order, I recommend Doterra and Young Living products.
Suggested Reading: A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles” by Marianne Williamson
Images: Courtesy of pexels.com/freephoto stock source.
