Love: The Truth of Our Existence
What is love? Everyone has an idea of what love is. We often either identify it as romantic love or love for our friends or families, but this can cause us to depend on romantic or familial love to feel satisfied. When our need for love is unfulfilled within these limitations, we feel neglected and deprived.
Love is in everything. It is in what we eat, what we do, what we say, and how we act and react. Every single thing we do every day has love infused into it. Love is not an ideal; it is the truth of our existence. Love is who we are. It exists within us.
Love is not dependent on external factors. External factors are affected by love. When we act with love, we heal. When we act with love, we create love. If we view the world with love and act with love, love is what we receive in return. Love is always reciprocal; you just have to be aware of its return.
Love is an innate response, even when we hate. We are all seeking love because we are born with love. When a child is born, they seek affection from their caregivers. The child’s need to be loved is an act of love. If their love is rejected, the child will feel hurt and neglected. Rejected love can cause human beings to develop defense mechanisms over time to protect their feelings of love. A child learns by conditioning that love is wrong, and this can extend, and often does, into adulthood. The only way to heal someone who feels unloved is by giving love.
Children understand universal love. A four-year-old girl in my preschool class told me that she loved me the other day. She said it with uninhibited purity of heart. She understands that love is a sign of affection and respect and can be given to everyone and everything in her life, including teachers, animals, and even the flowers in a field.
Love creates love. Everything we infuse love into becomes love. The way we respond to others is an important act of love. Are we responding to others with care and compassion, respect, and attentiveness? How do others react to us when we act with love? Do we love ourselves and our bodies by preparing nutritious meals with love? What about our daily activities? Are they planned with love in mind?
Each step we take towards love brings us more love. It also sends our love out into the world in the form of energy. Imagine if we all sent our love out into the world with pure intention. Do you think you could feel its immediate effect on our society and how you perceive the world?
I’m giving you love right now. You are a beautiful, perfect human being. Every imperfection that you believe exists in you is simply a place in your heart that needs love. Just as you give love to others, you must give love to yourself. Act with love, and you shall receive it.
S. Angell is a published poet, writer, philosopher, video blogger, and preschool teacher by day. She explores an array of topics including love, life, death, history, and society from a philosophical perspective. You can find her on Instagram @therainydaypoetess or TheRainyDayPoet.com
