Fall ... or rise in love?

In the contemporary world, the concept of “love” has become increasingly ambiguous and fraught with misconceptions. The prevalent notion of “falling in love” aptly reflects this reality, where our understanding of love is so deficient that it leads to a downward spiral rather than uplifting us.

Love should be an experience that elevates humanity, not one that causes us to stumble. The phrase “falling in love” is not merely a linguistic quirk, but a reflection of our current predicament.

GOD IS LOVE

Across various religious traditions, it is proclaimed that “God is love”. However, the reality of our experience often seems to contradict this divine truth. Are we misunderstanding the nature of love itself, leading to the proliferation of negative emotions and experiences?

Hurt, jealousy, expectations, possessiveness, attachment, dependency, selfishness, obsession, depression, envy, and grief — these are the bitter fruits of our contemporary understanding of love. Where have we gone astray in our perception?

LOVE VERSUS RELATIONSHIPS

Our understanding of love has become intrinsically linked with relationships. We believe that love can only be expressed within the confines of a relationship. Yet, we have forgotten that love is an innate aspect of every living being. Even in the most primal and violent of species, there exists an instinctual response to love. Love permeates the entire fabric of existence in its purest form. Only when we break free from the constraints of our narrow understanding of relationships can we tap into the universal essence of love. By transcending these boundaries, we can connect with the love that pulsates at the core of nature itself.

Love is an experience of inner fulfilment that naturally spills over into our interactions with others. It naturally brings sharing and caring from a place of abundance within ourselves. Unfortunately, our love is nothing but seeking validation and filling inner voids through so-called ‘loving others’. We don’t love others because we are experiencing it abundantly. In fact, we express love to get love in return. However, the path to genuine love lies in nurturing oneself first by giving ourselves the positive and constructive attention that can cultivate a reservoir of love that overflows to enrich the lives of those around us.

It is now the time to embark on a journey of rediscovery when it comes to love. We must transcend the shallow perceptions and misconceptions that have clouded our understanding. Love, in its truest essence, is not about falling but about rising to higher planes of consciousness, compassion, and connection. As we realign with the divine principle of love, we pave the way for a world where love becomes the guiding force that uplifts and transforms us all.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Center, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica.