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Post by Frater G on Aug 29, 2008 23:59:06 GMT -5
What is the definition of Love? How does someone know when they actually love someone? What does being "in love" mean? I know this is a broad based question. I know the answers are multifaceted. I would like to hear your thoughts on this. The question came up recently with someone close to me.
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Post by morningstar on Aug 30, 2008 8:26:56 GMT -5
Such a hard question to answer because it is hard to put something so intrinsic into words, isn't it?
I'll start things off...
When you feel love you have "realized" or become conscious of the "connection" you share with someone or something else.
Everything is connected on a spiritual/ethereal level...but we do not always realize it. When we truly love, we have then felt that connection on a personal level...we feel empathy for that which we love, because we have understood within us that although it is separate- it is also deeply connected to us.
For most people in the world - love is directed/limited towards those who physically share a deep bond/connection in this life...such as family, close friends or lover or cherished animal friend. To know we love them is to "feel" for them as we do for our own selves ... thereby the "conection". We care for them - long for them to be happy - share in their emotions - feel joy at their accomplishments and pain at their anguish. Through true love we do not possess that which we love - rather, we revel in our connection to it. It is possible to love our own planet in this way.
I think the great masters have/had the ability to grasp this connection on an eternal/universal level - and thereby love the World and all that dwells in it. The Christ Consciousness comes to mind here.
I think in a close relationship that is based in true love - the individuals mirror or reflect each other's selves back to each other...there is a balance that is wrought...a wholeness...a completion. Each allowing the other to FULLY be their own selves - neither losing anything, but rather gaining/growing as a result. True love is unconditional - there are no ultimatums...it is based on respect...allowing freedom on both sides within the connection.
"We are a circle, within a circle...with no beginning and no ending..."
I think one way to know you truly love someone - when their happiness brings you joy/contentment...even if that were to mean what brought them happiness was contrary to your perception of your own needs/desires at that time. It is a giving and a taking...it is balance. The gift of unconditional love is to allow for others to seek their own self...and to release the ego's need for control.
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Post by Frater G on Sept 4, 2008 18:20:09 GMT -5
Very well put Morningstar, thank you.
Anyone else?
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