Greetings!
I usually think of February as the month of love, but in reality, every month should be one! As a mother of three and grandmother of four, I often think about the importance of unconditional love and what it means. In simple terms, it's love without conditions. In digging deeper, it can be said that unconditional love is caring about someone else's happiness without expecting anything in return. It's the kind of love parents have for their children or pets have for their masters or mistresses. It's a type of love that is given freely, and is nonjudgmental and accepting. Sometimes we might love others unconditionally, but we might not approve of their actions—
for example, an adolescent going through challenging times or an aging mother who has become cantankerous or more aggressive in advanced age.
I'm suddenly reminded of an encounter I had with a Buddhist monk who made it a habit to practice compassion. I asked him, "How do you have compassion for evil people in the world? How does that work as a Buddhist?" He stopped, maneuvered his prayer beads in his right hand, and said, "I just send out unconditional love. It's as simple as that."
As simple as that,
I thought.
Isn't it wonderful that he can do that.
I often think of that encounter in my daily life, even if I'm dealing with someone who doesn't hold the door open as I'm walking into a store or someone who cuts me off in traffic.
What would happen if we all practiced unconditional love each and every day? Is it possible to start a love revolution? After all, most of us have a desire to love and be loved, yet so many people seem incapable of this basic human need. If we are to create a safe and loving world for future generations, I believe we must begin nurturing a love revolution in our small circle and watch it ripple out. Sounds easy, right?
