“Love has sacred power, not because it makes us high, allowing us to rise above ordinary life on clouds of blissful glory, but because it helps us relax the struggle between self and other that is at the root of human suffering.”
That Struggle happens between self and other is a given. Through struggle with a significant other, learn what is important to you. Learn to welcome struggle. Relax your roots.
“Love is profound because it roots us in the earth….”
Look at the roots in the image above and imagine your self grounded in the earth’s soil.
“The profound question love poses is, ‘Can you face your life as it is; can you look at all the pain and darkness as well as the power and light in the human soul, and still say yes?’”
Say yes to Life with all it’s different parts. Don’t banish anything. Out of the struggle comes new knowledge and new Life.
Have you ever seen these sentiments expressed on a commercially manufactured Valentine? What do you think of Valentine’s Day? Do you give others Valentines? Let me know by replying to this email or commenting on blog comment section. I love to hear from you!
Thank you for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall
John Welwood quotes in italicized bold print.
Inward/Outward is a project of the Church of the Saviour in Washington DC. January 8. 2016
6 comments
Valentine's Day. No, I am not a fan. Never have been. In my view, this is a day created by the "material" companies putting unnecessary pressure on people to prove they love or are loved. It can be completely stressful and hurtful, which is ironic since it's supposed to be about "love." How many (mostly) women hold their breath waiting for the flowers, the dinner invitation, the card, the engagement ring. And why? Because a greeting card company says this is the day to do these kinds of things? My belief is to treat the people I love WITH love every day. I don't need a day circled on the calendar. If I see a card, or a little gift, or just want to call or send a little message to someone I care about, I do it on the spot. Every day is an opportunity to express love.
You have a lot of wisdom Connie and the ability to express it clearly.
Thank you.
Beautiful insights, Nicky. THE best Valentine's messages. Really.
Your comment much appreciated – Really!
I love the first quote and I plan on displaying it on my refrigerator. This year was the first in many years when I sent Valentines. I sent one to each of my adult grandchildren and two dear friends who live elsewhere. Valentine’s Day is a lot like Christmas…..it is very commercialized now but you can make it what you want.
Thank you for your comment. A question I would wonder about (and I know you probably already have) is what was different this year for you?
I agree, it isn't necessary to drop the whole holiday in disgust. But it is important to make it what you want – as you wisely said.
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