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Love is the most fundamental and ennobling feeling we have all experienced. Yet, its true essence eludes us. We find ourselves lost in a mire of ignorance and mental entrapment that has convoluted the definition and true understanding of this pristine feeling.
In our fast-paced world of continuous advancement, we seem to have lost ourselves somewhere along the way. Our inner battles never seem to end and there comes a time when we concede to our self-appointed demons. We lock our true individuality somewhere in the depths of our heart, guarded by resentment, fear and disappointment. In other words, we prolong the confrontation and inner dialogue with ourselves to infinity.
Suggested Read: A long distance call of love
Having lost the ability to love ourselves, we are no longer capable of sharing the love we don’t feel. When our little hearts are burdened with unwarranted baggage, how will we be able to experience and understand what love truly is and what wonders it is capable of? And how do we overcome this?
Accept
We could begin by accepting ourselves the way we are. This acceptance must be such that it embraces within its fold our limitations and the tally of our so called ‘mistakes’.
A very predominant part of my nature has always been to mull over things that did not go the right way. I tend to replay the situation again and again in my head, wishing I had chosen some other action or reaction! This would make me feel heavy, dejected and tied down by the past. I came to realize that it is our that keeps us latched on to what could have been and what should have been. Acceptance of the fact that the bygones cannot be changed, acceptance of the present situation in all its facets and the acceptance of who we currently are help us take that leap towards loving ourselves.
Act
If our acceptance is not backed by action, we find ourselves back to square one.
When there is a constant effort to change and become a better version of ourselves, the heart melts and transforms. A constant evaluation of ourselves, backed by an earnest will to change for the better, helps us remain in solidarity with our inner self. My self-evaluation includes:
- Being open to criticism.
- Not shying away from situations that unnerve me.
- Writing down my feelings and thoughts honestly, and try not to let them linger on in my head.
Love
Once the inner discord is put to an end, we are able to provide an appropriate field for love to flower! Having made peace with ourselves, we gradually begin to love ourselves. When we reach such a stage, we then begin to experience boundless depths and the love within naturally pours out to everyone and everything we interact with.
Our love is no longer weighed by our ego and expectations, and our personality does not hinge on the amount of love we receive. We are simply Love. So, how do we get ourselves to accept, act and love?
In my personal experience, Heartfulness meditation has helped the most on this path from acceptance to love finding new meaning at every turn. With each meditation, acceptance finds a new depth, the nature of action changes and Love reveals itself in yet another subtler shade. Regular meditation helps us stay connected within and equips us with the ability to nurture ourselves and lay the ground for Love to bloom. Meditation is thus a journey within.
A journey of growth and change
A journey of self- honing
A journey of realization
Our starting points on this journey might be different, but the destination is the same. A destination that promises Love within and without.
Also Read: 90days of heartfulness practice
