Love can be such an elusive subject to wrap our heads around. There are so many different things we mean when we use the word love that the whole topic becomes a bit fuzzy.
I have often wondered whether there would be a way to measure love. A way in which to quantify what love means so as to see whether I’m doing a good job of loving the people around me.
Wayne Dyer mentions at least three ways in which we can be more conscious about the way we love:
- Don’t try to change them…
- Really listen to them…
- See the light in them…
While these are not exactly quantifiable in centimeters or inches, I do believe that these can be really good principles to use in measuring whether we are loving well.
“Love is the ability and willingness to allow those that you care for to be what they choose for themselves without any insistence that they satisfy you.” – Wayne Dyer
“Be a good listener… It makes the person who’s speaking to you feel loved, cared for and worthy of being heard.” – Wayne Dyer
“See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see.” – Wayne Dyer
“There are only two emotions – Fear and Love. Go with Love.” – Wayne Dyer
Am I allowing the people around me to be exactly who they are? Or am I trying to get them to show up in a way that satisfies MY fears? Whenever I have the impulse to direct someone towards a different way of being I have to ask myself the question, “what is it that I am afraid will happen?”, because it is MY fear that wants them to change.
Every ‘bad habit’ or every ‘coping mechanism’ that any human has is only their reaction to fear, and when my message to a loved one is, “you are unacceptable as you are and you need to change,” it only creates more fear and ensures that they double down on whatever old patterns help them feel safe.
The biggest gift I can give anyone is to trust in their divinity, and that in the absence of a fear response they will ultimately outgrow the coping mechanisms that used to provide a sense of safety.
Acting from fear always brings along only more fear. If you want to experience what freedom really is, choose love, every time. This is the most courageous thing you will ever do.
———-
BTW, choosing love is not equal to accepting abuse, but it does mean that you can actually love deeply even when you choose to distance yourself:
“If you meet someone whose soul is not aligned with yours, send them love and move along.” – Wayne Dyer
Are you conscious about the way you love? These three principles are a very helpful measure with which to test your ability to love:
- Don’t try to change them: Love embraces individuals for who they are, without imposing our own expectations or desires. Trying to mold others into our ideal image is a form of control, not love.
- Really listen to them: Active listening involves paying full attention to another person’s words and emotions, without interrupting or judging. It conveys respect, care, and understanding.
- See the light in them, and treat them as if it’s the only thing you see: Every individual possesses inherent goodness and potential. By focusing on their positive qualities, we create a space for growth and connection.
The truth is, love is not a quantifiable measurement, but a choice that reflects our values and intentions. By practicing the principles outlined by Wayne Dyer, we can cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships and experience the transformative power of love in our lives. Remember, choosing love is the most courageous act we can take.
Have a beautiful Friday peeps!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Sharing love.