Love Heals, Forgives and Makes Whole

“Love is within us. It cannot be destroyed. It can be ignored. To the extent that we abandon love, we will feel it has abandoned us. Denying love is our only problem, and embracing it is the only solution. Through the power of love, we can let go of past history and begin again. Love heals, forgives and makes whole.” Ernest Holmes

This is one of my favorite quotes. As obvious as it may seem to focus on love in February, it also feels deeply necessary to explore this deeper form of love. While the romantic notion of staring into the eyes of my soul mate is entertaining and lovely, that’s not the k

nd of love that shifts consciousness and changes lives. Rather, it’s the daily grind of turning again and again into the willingness to explore our own psyche and choose loving behaviors towards ourselves and others that makes the big difference.

• The daily (hourly, minute-by-minute) decision to choose the gracious interpretation of a questionable comment, selecting the kindest intention and responding from that nice place.

• Opening up to the possibility of a different experience in a challenging relationship.

• Believing that the Presence of Spirit in a conflict can melt away the rough edges, allowing ourselves to be softened.

• Being different first. Being the one to initiate a loving encounter. Letting the old stuff fall away in the hopes of something better.

These are the ways love opens us up. It sweetens our tongues, lightens our hearts and opens our minds, but we have to choose it. We have to put down the knife that we wield against ourselves and others, and we must release the shields we’ve been hiding behind for protection. Only an available, vulnerable heart can learn to love in this way. It takes a great deal of time and effort, but it makes all the difference. After all, love heals, forgives and makes whole. I, for one, am ready to know my wholeness through the power of love.