Energy Medicine for Love
Love as the Master Alchemist
Whether it is an emotion, thought, feeling, action or experience, in its purest form love has the unyielding potential to change both our inner and outer experiences. It is not uncommon for people to feel a lack of love in some area of their life. The good news is you can start experiencing love now. Why start now and not wait? Our future abundance is created by the accumulation of our present moment thoughts, feelings, actions and experiences. The more love we extend now, the greater our future.
Teachings on Love by Thich Nhat Hanh
“If we learn ways to practice love, compassion, joy, and equanimity, we will know how to heal the illnesses of anger, sorrow, insecurity, sadness, hatred, loneliness, and unhealthy attachments.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh is revered worldwide for his profound teachings and writings. In one of his works titled Teachings on Love, he explains how love, compassion, joy and equanimity are the four aspects of true love found in everyone that can transform our lives.
“The first aspect of true love is maitri, the intention and capacity to offer joy and happiness. To develop that capacity, we have to practice looking and listening deeply so that we know what to do and what not to do to make others happy.”
Thich Nhat Hanh’s practical advice seems so simple, but it does take practice. There is an art to truly listening and conscientiously watching interactions in our relationships. We often “react” without really understanding what the other person is feeling and experiencing.
“The second aspect of true love is karuna, the intention and capacity to relieve and transform suffering and lighten sorrows…With compassion in our heart, every thought, word and deed can bring about a miracle.”
We have all been recipients of compassion at one time or another – hopefully many times – so we know that relief can come from something small. A hug, a shoulder to cry on, a gift, an encouraging word, forgiveness and even a thought. I appreciate how Thich Nhat Hanh recognizes that action comes first from thought. We will do and say what we think.
Joy
“The third element of true love is mudita, joy. True love always brings joy to ourselves and to the one we love. If our love does not bring joy to both of us, it is not true love.”
True love cannot be one-sided. Joy must be both felt and given by and to each person, as well as to self.
Equanimity
“The fourth element of true love is upeksha, which means equanimity, non attachment, non discrimination, even-mindedness, or letting go…[or] the ability to see everyone as equal, not discriminating between ourselves and others.”
In order to truly love another we must understand him or her at a deep level; we must be “one” with the other person. How do we do that? I would suggest by implementing the first three aspects of love. No matter the circumstance, it is love at its highest power to attentively remain on equal ground with those we care for.
The Love Challenge
One of the most powerful tools to manifest Love in our life and ultimately manifest that which we desire is the “Practice of Giving.” The Love Challenge is about applying the practice of giving. Each day for the next 15 days, the challenge is to focus your mind, body and spirit on giving. The only guideline is that whatever giving you do, it must be heart-centered from a space of love. Go to our Energy Medicine for Healthy Living facebook page and share your thoughts, ideas and experiences as you practice the Love Challenge. Here are some ideas that we do with the “Practice of Giving”:
- With every person you see or that comes to your mind in the course of your day, whether you are grocery shopping or taking a walk, in your mind say: ” I see and honor the light in you.” Or “I am sending you love and blessings.” Or “I am grateful for the love you bring to the world.” Or whatever works for you!
- Compliment someone on something you truly like or admire about her or him. It can be in an email, a phone call, a card or in person.
- Spend time sending love, prayers, blessings, hearts or Figure 8’s to someone who may be suffering.
- Give a gift. It does not have to be large or expensive. (Although that’s OK too.) Something that would be meaningful to that person. A favorite book that made a difference in your life, an energy medicine chart or DVD, a flower from your garden, pay the toll for the car behind you, etc. The key here is that it comes from the heart.
- As you are doing your favorite energy medicine exercise, send loving energy to an individual, group or the planet. We are so excited to hear about your results!