Love, a word far more meaningful than the 4 alphabets per se

What is love? That is the eternal question to which answers are aplenty. We experience it – in different colours of the spectrum. Love is neither definitive nor quantitative – you can never tell how much you love a person by such quantum. It is the ultimate truth, a force-that-be which removes barriers between people and it builds bridges, it builds relationships and friendships, for love is kind and patient. It protects, it bonds and connects people in a unity of trust, intimacy and interdependence. Love should be shared and experienced by all.

Give and you too shall receive. Love is a magic you can create. Love the person unconditionally and you too shall receive love unconditionally. Focus on the wonderful qualities of that person and you shall see how easy it is to love. Look at the immeasurable relationship between a mother and child –one which nurtures, protects and guides. Love exists – unconditionally and in pure form.

In different context, love can take on so many languages and so many different meanings. Would you love your neighbour as much as you love your partner? Or perhaps God? Would love then be separated into many parts for different occasions such as platonic, familial or religious love? The answer may differ with the changing of relationships and is easily lost within the depths and complexities of its meaning. And yet the common denominator is the experience and feelings of love in differing strengths.

Can we then surmise that by quantifying our willingness to love to so many different levels, we have lost the true meaning of love and are so willing to sell ourselves short on what we can truly experience? Material items are of no answer and yet we seek solace within them as an indication of how much we are loved. There are many people who take to such showering of gifts, whether it be expensive gifts or experiences, as token of love but therein lies the fault. Love has been reduced to a token sum – one which is replaceable, exchangeable and refundable. How does that nurture the bonds that link us together?

Perhaps there is truth to be discovered in such a time of global economic hardship. Whilst we read so many articles on how much some marriages and relationships are strained, do we actually examine the root cause of the problem. Avoiding such generalisation, would it be fair to say that these bonds were built on false hopes and meaningless tokens? It may be a blessing in disguise that it takes a massive global event to show many of us that the foundations of our love run skin deep.

Love has survived since the beginning of humanity. It has survived through everything – wars, plagues as such and it has come out stronger than before. It can be found again when all is lost. Look into yourself to find the love and learn to focus on the wonderful qualities of yourself and those whom you truly love.

Be together, share your joy and sorrow, understand each other, provide space to each other and always be there for each other’s need. And surely love will blossom to strengthen your relationships with those you love

May you then have discovered your true meaning of love.