“Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth ‘you owe me’. Look what happens with a love like that, it lights the whole sky”. – Hafiz
Living in a state of unconditional love is a spiritual and happy experience second to none. It’s a place of compassion and radical acceptance for ourselves and all beings. How can we live in this state, wherein we continually express unconditional love for ourselves and others? If more people attempted to foster a state of unconditional love, we would live in a much different world. While unconditional love is difficult to define, it offers a light like no other. As illustrated in the above Hafiz quote, unconditional love is given freely and without expectation. As the sun’s rays upon the earth, unconditional love is less of a feeling and more of a way of life or action. It’s not easy. However, because unconditional love is an action, it means we can foster it within ourselves and begin to inhabit this space of light, acceptance, and freedom. Here are a few ways to foster this sense of unconditional love and improve your life and the lives of others.
Examine your relationship with yourself. If we don’t accept and unconditionally love ourselves, it’s impossible to emanate unconditional love for others and the world around us. Your relationship with yourself is truly a foundation for other relationships. Do you accept yourself unconditionally, even when you are at fault? How do you speak to yourself? Do you feel worthy of the kind of energy and love that the sun offers the earth?
Take a look at how you love and the ways in which you derive pleasure. In romantic love, we often take pleasure in someone else’s happiness or when our partner offers kind words or gestures. However, the root of unconditional love is based on the idea that joy is derived from the act of love. Simply loving another person is a reward in and of itself. Cultivate this kind of active love and you will find yourself happier, more at peace, and less inclined to expect things from others, as you already have the love you need.
Realize that unconditional love is an inside job. We are programmed to think that love comes from the outside world — from people, places, objects, or even feelings. True unconditional love is an inside job and a reward and end unto itself. It is limitless, accepting, and healing. Unconditional love makes you feel connected to yourself, others, and the world.
Tree House Recovery of Portland, Oregon uses cutting-edge techniques in individualized programs to help men achieve freedom from addiction. Taking a holistic, sustainable approach to the inner and outer effects of addiction ensures you or your loved one will emerge with the confidence and skills to manage your addiction independently. No one is beyond help- our Admissions Counselors are available 24/7 at (503) 850-2474
