It's that time of year again - Valentine's Day! Hearts, ribbons, and chocolate are flying around like crazy. And let's not forget the fancy dinners and heartfelt cards. This is the month when we go all out to celebrate romantic love. But for me, Valentine's Day is more than just a hallmark holiday; it was the day I came back to life. Love is a powerful force that shapes how we interact with the world and the people around us. It's a daily commitment, a choice we make to grow and nurture our relationships.
February 14th, 1997, I underwent a 13-hour surgery of bilateral mastectomies with tram flap reconstruction, resulting in a brief period of clinical death on the operating table. While I did not experience a conventional near-death experience, this event provided me with a new physical body and marked the beginning of the end of my former life. Since then, I have been obsessed with understanding love, not just as a day, month, or phrase but as a way of being.
I want to learn everything there is to know about it, to figure out how it works and why it makes us feel the way it does.
I want to be able to help others understand love better, too. So, I have embarked on a journey to learn as much about love as possible.
I read books, talk to people, and figure out what makes love special.
Each day, my understanding grows, and my heart expands with an unwavering passion for love in all its beautiful forms. I seek experiences that challenge my perceptions, broaden my horizons, and deepen my empathy. My journey is transforming me through laughter, tears, heartbreak, and joy. I am gaining profound insights and wisdom about love that I am eager to share.
My big, important question was: What is love?
The answer was a big revelation. It showed me a truth that was more than just a feeling.
I discovered that love wasn't just something I felt inside; it was the core of me. This energy ran through everything, and it connected us all. I realized I wasn't just someone who loved; I was love itself. I was a part of this universal force that was all around me. This made me want to grow and share this love with others.
I realized how amazing and caring people can be when I opened my heart to compassion. Every nice gesture, no matter how small, reminded me of life as a beautiful garden. In this magical place, flowers of all colors swayed gracefully like dancers from the heavens, their petals moving as one in perfect harmony.
This was my first glimpse into the enigmatic realm of love. But amidst this enchanting garden, like unwelcome intruders, weeds appeared. They dared to defy the essence of love, challenging my comprehension of what I believed love to be. However, to my astonishment, even these weeds became unexpected manifestations of love.
Each opportunity to bestow forgiveness and embrace compassion for others expanded the confines of my understanding, transforming love into something more inclusive and profound.
One of the most profound transformations I experienced involved letting go of my self-centered perspective and shifting my focus outward. I
n the past, my preoccupation with my own struggles often prevented me from truly listening to others. I was more concerned with offering advice or sharing my experiences based on whether they were worse, different, or similar to theirs rather than seeking genuine understanding and connection. However, I discovered that simply being present and offering a non-judgmental space for someone to share their thoughts and feelings could make a world of difference. Listening actively and empathizing with their experiences strengthened my relationships and gained valuable insights into my own life.
I recognized the importance of extending the same compassion and kindness to myself. In the past, I had been my own harshest critic, constantly berating myself for my mistakes and shortcomings. However, I realized that self-compassion was essential for healing and growth. By treating myself with the same understanding and forgiveness I offered others, I began cultivating a more profound sense of self-acceptance and self-love. This newfound compassion allowed me to embrace my flaws and vulnerabilities and to appreciate the unique beauty and worth within me.
Through acts of kindness, I understood that I could initiate a chain reaction of positive energy, transforming situations for the better.
When I'm good to myself and others, I feel better about myself and help make the world more loving and connected. Imagine tossing love glitter all over the world!
Though imperfect, I can feel the energy change as I keep walking this path of loving-kindness. I had to dive deeply into my dark side to acknowledge my imperfections. I had to accept the ugly, broken, angry, bitter, and straight-up mean parts of myself. I did not know how to embrace this shadow.
Maybe I had to recognize that she was practicing a type of love, albeit misguided. My shadow kept me safe the best way she could, and she felt unseen and unheard by Love, leading to her aggressive actions. She integrated into my being by holding and loving my shadow self, allowing me to accept all of myself profoundly and lovingly. This journey of self-discovery led to a deeper understanding of love and its transformative power.
In the past, I believed that love was romantic relationships or familial bonds. However, through introspection and reflection, I have come to recognize that the concept of love extends far beyond these limited confines.
It encompasses a broader and more profound understanding.
Divine Love is unwavering and continuously envelops us.
It instils within us that sense of tranquillity, harmony, and peace. Love is not a static destination; it's a journey that fosters growth, learning, and meaningful connections.
It's not just about finding a romantic partner but appreciating the beauty in everyone, including oneself.
Love requires dedication, vulnerability, and an open heart. Embracing all moments, learning from mistakes, and building resilience deepen love's significance. Through these experiences, love evolves into a lasting and profound bond.
Here are some suggestions to help cultivate Love:
Practice Self-Love:
Accept yourself unconditionally, flaws and all.
Embrace your uniqueness and celebrate your qualities.
Love yourself without judgment or attachment.
Extend Love to Others:
Offer love freely and wholeheartedly without conditions.
Allow others to be themselves and grow without fear.
Create a safe space for yourself and others to flourish.
Break Free from Conditional Love:
Recognize when love is tied to expectations or outcomes.
Love is a profound experience encompassing our minds, bodies, and souls. It enables us to embrace our authentic selves and positively influence the world. The transformative power of love extends beyond our relationships, as it can heal our wounds, bridge divides, and foster a harmonious society. Embracing love and compassion in our interactions could lead to a world where everyone feels valued, understood, and connected.
Our journey of love has provided us with valuable lessons.
Let us eagerly anticipate how love will continue to shape and transform our lives in the future.
Rev Jeannie Soverns embraces Love humour and authenticity by embracing in lifes adventures. Her mission is th be a safe container for hugs, comfort, humour, and compassion for those ready to live their best lives.
