The ideal way of life begins and ends with just one very simple factor – loving. Being loving and compassionate towards others and benefiting from the return of those feelings occur naturally to those who are firstly loving and compassionate towards themselves. If we nurture and cherish a loving, understanding attitude towards ourselves the radiance we create spreads outwards to encompass all who come within our orbit. Having a loving attitude towards ourselves is essential for giving out truly loving and compassionate vibrations to others and for enjoying those feelings in return.
A loving attitude towards ourselves is not the self-love that is full of over-weaning pride, selfishness or self-importance. It is a love of understanding, forgiveness, approval and kindliness towards ourselves. It is caring for our health with nutritious food, sufficient rest (which I don’t have) and adequate exercise and fresh air. It means not criticizing others or ourselves and accepting that we are fine just as we are but can make positive changes if we wish. It means not being resentful or blaming but being patient and kind to ourselves when things do not go quite as we had planned. It means taking time to savour the pleasures of our successes, no matter how small. Self-love is not pride or vanity, it is enriching and cherishing. It means keeping our thoughts directed towards the positive, not either dwelling in the past or future with ‘if only…’ type of thoughts and wishes, but living in the present moment, truly aware, truly alive.
Love itself is a feeling, but to be loving needs action. If what we do is done lovingly it will be for the greater good and will produce a loving, life-enhancing and enriching feeling within us. Us an adult, our real purpose in life is to give. Giving is loving and true giving, as with loving, is without expectation. Giving with the heart is a joyful experience where we do not expect anything in return, not even gratitude. It is unconditional. The more we give, the more we receive, both from others and from the feelings flowing inside ourselves. Giving and receiving are like two sides of the same coin.
Loving, giving and receiving are part of a cycle. Keep the cycle going by loving and giving more and more and more. Giving is always in the present moment, so give as often as we can. We do not have to bestow all our possessions, although a few do so in an extreme gesture of giving and simplicity. But we, no doubt need to continue to work, earn our living and contribute to our family life.
No comments:
Post a Comment