The whole idea of love is a vast subject indeed. No other area of human experience has been more talked about and written about than love. After all this effort to understand its meaning and significance through the millennia, we still remain confused. It’s almost like something is missing. So, what is it that we are seeking? If we look at the work of the spiritual teachers found in every world religion, we find a common thread. They all speak of a “universal love” that underlies our entire existence. These great teachers exemplified this love through their words and actions and provided us with a way out of suffering and misunderstanding. This universal approach to love may have seemed vague to us all those thousands of years ago, but perhaps we were not ready at that time to receive the gift being offered, or perhaps they were providing us an opportunity to express a fuller understanding of universal love at some future time. It is becoming clearer to us that some future time is now. It is difficult for us to see the opportunity being presented to us because we are currently experiencing the pain, frustration, and confusion that always accompanies a great transition. It is a transition from the old way of doing and being to a new way of doing and being. This transition into a new age also includes a process of letting go of the things in the past that no longer work in the present, and adopting new ways we can’t quite see yet. To help alleviate some confusion, let’s take a look at three aspects of universal love that are already being experienced in the world today.
The first area to consider is that of inclusion. Love is expansive and inclusive by its very nature, so all are welcome. Universal love is just what it implies. If we accept the fact that we all come from the same place and are all born of love, then it is our sameness that binds us together. Universal love provides us with a sense of unity and oneness. It is a sense of family in a larger context. Humanity contains within it much diversity, for sure, but we still remain part of a greater whole. With this understanding, our differences can be celebrated rather than feared. Let’s affirm our essential sameness as we proceed and allow universal love to be our guide.
The second area to consider is that of equality. We must accept the fact that if we all come from the same loving source, then no one person or group is more special or deserving than another. This idea of being special creates what the spiritual teachers call “the great heresy of separateness”. Unfortunately, the idea of deserving more has led to the hoarding of money and resources by some. If you believe you are special, it is easy to take what clearly belongs to all. It has become critical that those who have the resources and power choose to use them for the benefit of the greater whole. Universal love then becomes practically applied through sharing. We can assist those individuals who choose greed and selfishness over love and equality by exercising the other side of love, compassion. Having compassion does not give the green light to selfishness but offers us much need patience. From a higher perspective, all current conditions are temporary manifestations. Let’s maintain our focus on loving equality and understand that we really are in this together.
The third area of consideration is that of group awareness. As universal love becomes more prevalent in our experience, we are seeing groups of individuals come together in common purpose and objective. The marches on Washington, and other cities across America, and across the world signify group effort and that is our goal. It is important for us to realize the power generated by group action, for it has been shown throughout history that the power of the group creates lasting and necessary change. Sure, there are apparently two opposing forces at work, but there is no need to be alarmed. It is usually best for us to clearly see the extremes at play so that common ground can be found. It is the middle where the majority meets. This is where the larger group called humanity finds its purpose, a greater expression of the universal love that is ours.
In closing, let me say how important it is for us to simply accept the premise that love is the way to create long-lasting change in the world and a group focus is how to get there. Let’s accept the opportunity presented to us and find a better expression for humanity so that we may create a better world for all of us. We can do it! Join me next time as we continue our discussion of universal love.
All my love and support, stay safe and be well