Love: A State of Being

External connections and relationships are constantly emphasized, which means the idea of love often becomes synonymous with partnerships and romantic involvements. While there is undeniable beauty in connections with others, it's crucial to recognize that the love we yearn for isn't solely dependent on us. Society's narrative ingrains in us the notion that love is something we must acquire through the presence of another person. However, as we stand at this crossroads of introspection while navigating the path of recent singlehood, we feel compelled to explore an alternative viewpoint: that love is not merely an emotion expressed and achieved through external relationships, but rather a profound state of existence that can be nurtured from within. 

Being single in a society that places romantic unions on a pedestal can sometimes trigger a sense of longing, a persistent feeling that perhaps our completeness hinges on having a partner by our side. It's a sentiment that's hard to escape, especially when even well-meaning friends unconsciously reinforce the notion that not being in a relationship equates to a lack of love or personal advancement. However, a trusted friend recently shared a priceless insight that is reshaping our perspective – the idea that considering our single status as a deficiency in love is a disservice to our personal growth. 

As we embark on the journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation, we are determined to break free from societal conditioning and reject the idea that settling for an unhealthy relationship is preferable to being unattached. Settling is not a better option than being single. Being unpartnered is a transient phase that creates room for self-growth and exploration. Rather than perceiving ourselves as alone, we are learning to embrace solitude as an opportunity to connect with ourselves and experience the opportunities that would not have arisen within a partnership. As mentioned before, this shift in perspective transforms the narrative from "alone" to "in our own company." It's crucial to recognize that our own presence is valuable, nurturing, and deserving of love. 

The essence of love lies in detachment rather than attachment. More specifically, unhealthy attachment often gives rise to suffering, binding our emotions and well-being to external circumstances or individuals. In contrast, love as a state of being is rooted in self-awareness, acceptance, and compassion. We would like to underline the fact that to genuinely love another person, we must first love ourselves unconditionally. This necessitates complete self-acceptance and the ability to cultivate a nurturing relationship with our own soul. 

Practicing love as a state of being naturally radiates love outwards, enriching interactions and relationships with authenticity and empathy. Authentic love transcends superficial appearances and fleeting emotions. The emphasis is on cultivating inner tranquility and compassion that extends to all living beings. By nurturing this sense of compassion within, we establish a foundation for a love that knows no bounds – a love that is profound, enduring, and all-encompassing.  

Love Beyond Emotion 

Now that we've established that love goes beyond just emotions, let's examine how we can actively practice it as a way of living and interacting with the world around us. Choosing to embody love means making a conscious commitment to consistently show compassion, understanding, and kindness to ourselves, others, and the world. 

In this context, love involves building genuine connections and meaningful relationships. It requires us to actively listen, understand, and support others without passing judgment. Every interaction should be handled with respect, and we should value the perspectives and experiences of those we engage with. Love also includes self-care and self-compassion, where we recognize our own worth, nurture our well-being, and extend to ourselves the same understanding we offer to others. Achieving this demands self-awareness and the ability to forgive ourselves for our imperfections while striving for personal growth. 

Love, beyond mere emotion, means showing empathy and a willingness to see the world from others' perspectives. It involves being kind, even in the face of differences and disagreements. This practice of love fosters unity and a shared sense of humanity, enabling us to bridge divides and foster understanding. Forgiveness is a vital component of this practice, as we learn to let go of expectations, grudges, and resentments, both towards others and ourselves. Forgiveness liberates us from emotional burdens that hinder our ability to experience love and connection fully. 

Loving oneself, others, and life is an ongoing journey that requires mindfulness and intentionality. It's about making choices in our actions, thoughts, and words that promote unity, kindness, and well-being, no matter the relationships, circumstances, situations, or environments we find ourselves in. 

Be Intentional in Being Your Own Source of Love. 

Now that we have a better understanding of love as a state of being, let's explore some practical ways to incorporate it into our lives: 

• Embrace Compassion: Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a close friend in tough times. Set aside time for self-care activities that bring you joy, whether it's reading, enjoying spa treatments, pursuing hobbies, or spending time in nature. Replace self-criticism with gentle self-talk, especially when facing challenges or making mistakes. Stay in the present moment and avoid harsh self-judgment. Practice mindfulness through activities like meditation, deep breathing, or focused awareness to distance yourself from negative self-judgments. Remember, you're not alone in your struggles. Embrace shared imperfections, which can reduce feelings of isolation and self-criticism. Seek support and share your experiences with others for strength. 
• Embrace Resilience: Develop the ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. Resilience is essential for adapting to change, managing stress, improving mental health, and sustaining meaningful relationships. Focus on positive possibilities, mindfulness, and a growth mindset when faced with adversity. 
• Embrace Positivity and Patience: Foster a positive attitude and outlook. Share kindness, joy, and love in your interactions, uplifting those around you. Be patient with yourself and others, allowing space, time, and energy for understanding and clarity to grow. 
• Embrace Achievements: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, while distancing yourself from those who bring negativity into your life. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how big or small, and take pride in them. Reframe how you perceive your shortcomings by seeing them as opportunities for growth and learning rather than as reflections of your worth. Also, avoid constant comparison with others on social media and focus on your unique journey. Maintain a self-loving vision of yourself and step into it daily. 
• Embrace Being Present: Listen to your heart and trust your truth. When engaging with others, truly listen when they speak, giving them your full attention and creating a space for them to be heard and understood. Try to understand their feelings and point of view by putting yourself in their shoes. Show empathy by acknowledging their emotions. 

Practicing love as a state of being is a lifelong journey that requires mindfulness, intention, and daily effort. By nurturing love within yourself and sharing it with the world, you contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious existence for all. An endeavor of this sort requires us to recognize our worth and nurture the love within. As we embrace this love, we empower ourselves and contribute to a more compassionate world. Even though we often carry the weight of expectations on our backs and shoulders, choosing love as a state of being allows us to break free of conditions and be our authentic selves. Sharing authentic love creates a ripple effect of healing that will last lifetimes. 

Keep loving, keep growing, and keep shining your beautiful light. 

Until next time, embrace peace and love on the Journey Up!  

Ase`!  

Here is Your Journal Prompt; 

Reflect on a time when you consciously practiced love as a state of being. How did mindfulness, intention, and daily effort play a role in this practice? What impact did nurturing love within yourself have on your interactions with others and the world around you? How do you believe your contributions to a more compassionate and harmonious existence align with the concept of practicing love as a lifelong journey?" 

One Last Note:  

Stay tuned. The Path and The Power of Self-Love will be available for purchase January 1, 2024. 

For further inspiration and resources, feel free to explore our Journey Up! Book Club, peruse the shelves of our Journey Up! Library,  immerse yourself in Meditation and Affirmation Videos, or join our Growth Academy, and join our Membership Program (app). You can also join the waitlist for our upcoming Classes and Masterminds.