The Nature of Love – Freedom at Last

“Tell me that man who enjoys discrimination, and I will show you that heart burdened without peace”.

The effort to discriminate often extends beyond our limits, resulting in restless nights, emotional distress, and interference with our daily routines, particularly when the rationale is not based on presumptions or misconceptions.

Has there been any contemplation of suicidal ideation in the context of romantic relationships? Individuals who experience a sense of being unloved by their surroundings or the natural world may be more susceptible to suicidal ideation.  Love extends beyond mere emotions and encompasses a deliberate choice to engage in actions to bring about positive change. In this context, ‘ Love’ refers to a genuine and sincere form of affection, commonly known as ‘True Love’ or ‘Authentic Love’.

The liberation of the human heart comes from the quest to love and live-in Love. Just like Thomas Aquinas says, “We must love them both. Those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. Both have laboured in the search for truth, and both have helped us find it.”  

Love is often associated with the notion of freedom, akin to the natural flow of a river. However, it is regrettable that individuals who seek to attain Love become entangled in the wants and needs of others.  The individuals in question desire the validation and admiration of their beloved, who may be called the “please me drivers.”

At times, individuals may become trapped in interpersonal relationships under the guise of Love due to the perceived void within their existence. The concept that Love is devoid of visual perception has been posited. However, it is plausible that an individual who lacks sight but experiences affection may possess a heightened comprehension of this phenomenon.

Any entity that exercises excessive control over individuals, compelling them to adhere to its whims and fancies, has subjected them to enslavement. Consequently, such an entity is ‘against the grain’  and is perceived as contrary to the concept of Love.

This domination is accompanied by certain narratives that dictate what is deemed acceptable or unacceptable to select. Albert Einstein says, “A human being is a part of the whole, called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and his feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison, restricting us to our desires and affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty”.

When an individual is in a state of Love, they will likely encounter a distinct ambience and sensation. One may observe a strange yet remarkable phenomenon in the subject of their affection. The level of accessibility is comparable to that of atmospheric air, which can permeate any space where it is required. Robert A. Heinlein articulated his perspective on Love, positing that “Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”

Meanwhile, it can be argued that Love does not compel loyalty, as coerced loyalty may result in misguided allegiance. The concept of love centres around the individual’s autonomy to make decisions regarding ethical and unethical behaviour. Love enables individuals to adopt a multifaceted approach towards situations, coupled with a benevolent disposition. “The whole idea of compassion,” says Thomas Merton, “is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another”.

Expressing Love only after surveying one’s surroundings for potential observers indicates a problematic mindset unless the intention is solely for charity’s sake or to promote the betterment of one’s community. The manifestation of Love is contingent upon eliminating preconceived notions and biases ingrained within our cognitive faculties. Individuals we profess to love may represent the layers in our minds that influence our behavioural patterns, guiding our decision-making processes and shaping our actions.

Jane Austen expressed her sentiment regarding the impact of Love on one’s perception by stating, “Had I been in Love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not Love, has been my folly.”  This statement indicates that most failed relationship lies in our excessive concern for our selfish quest for personal satisfaction and gratification rather than genuine affection for others.

The experience of Love facilitates the process of self-exploration, enabling individuals to gain insight into their strengths and limitations. Love encompasses the fundamental principles of self-exploration, altruism, empathy, and embracing one’s partner’s unique qualities within a romantic partnership. Consequently, the act of receiving profound affection from another individual imbues one with fortitude, whereas the act of loving another individual instils one with bravery. 

Individuals who experience difficulty meeting societal standards due to the internalisation of external evaluations are experiencing a cognitive distortion known as attachment. This phenomenon creates a false perception of reality, leading to emotional distress and inadequacy. That is why many suggest it’s ‘better to be an old man’s darling than a young man’s slave’.

The concept of Love transcends beyond a fleeting emotion, akin to a garden that necessitates perpetual nurturing and safeguarding against undesirable elements. Therefore, Love cannot be experienced in a state of isolation.  It is essential to comprehend that the concept of Love is such that “Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don’t know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors, and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, withering, and tarnishing.” ― Anais Nin.

Love is characterised by an inherent autonomy, possessing an innate inclination to distinguish between right and wrong. However, it is essential to note that Love is not selective regarding expression.  Therefore, “If you fail to comprehend the meaning of love, you’ll not be able to apprehend the magic of life”.

 Just like ‘nature’ (the trees) that offer its shade to everyone, the same goes with Love. So, “When a man moves away from nature his heart becomes hard.” — Lakota proverb. What constitutes love and the nature it takes, remains a subject of discussion. Stay tuned!

March 31, 2023 March 31, 2023Categories

The Nature Of Love

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