All Roads Lead to Love
All roads lead to love. That is the message I have been receiving lately, in my life, in my meditations and in my work.
While
researching for my tele-class I discovered an interesting book titled
"Beyond Forgiveness, Reflections on Atonement" by Philip Cousineau. In
it he writes, "The act of atonement, the experience of at-one-ment,
allows you to be conscious that you've never really been cut off, that
you've always been one with the only power that is." What struck me
while reading the stories of atonement, contributed by a variety of
people, is how through a transcendental understanding of those who had
injured them the writers accomplished total healing. They embraced
"at-one-ment" and by doing so were able to begin a healing journey that
brought each person to a deeper and more meaningful understanding of
their purpose in life. Often the atonement was so profound that it
shifted their entire life path. Think of Nelson Mandela inviting the
very guard who gravely mistreated him to join him for tea.
Love
is the foundation, the undercurrent, the mystical force that fuels
forgiveness and atonement. Love is the power that enables us to
transcend our own limited views.
A friend and client recently
suggested that I read the book "Dying to be Me" by Anita Moorjani. In it
the author echoed the idea that we are all one through the sharing of
her near death experience. She states, "I became aware that we're all
connected. This was not only every person and living creature, but the
interwoven unification felt as though it were expanding outward to
include everything in the universe, every human, animal, plant, insect,
mountain, sea, inanimate object and the cosmos." In the book she
recounts the experience of complete and all encompassing love.
The
message of oneness and love is more often spoken of on Sunday mornings
than acted on in our every day life. We tend to find ways to habitually
separate ourselves from others. Our neighbors build fences; we see the
world as "us and them". There are the democrats and the republicans,
the sinners and the saints, the rich or the poor. We find ways to look
down our noses at the individual, the group or our community in order to
feel superior. What kind of world would we live in if we could begin to
understand that when we judge others we judge ourselves? When we see
lack in someone it is a reflection of a fear or sadness that resides
within.
How can we begin to train our eyes to see the need for
love in others, rather than reacting in judgement or condemnation? One
tool or method to strengthen and instill the power of love is to choose
to focus on the virtues that grow love. First, through the love of Self,
the careful nurturing of our soul and spirit, we may build the muscle
that manifests love. Daily attention to a practice of living the virtues
that open avenues toward love will strengthen the foundation. If you
practice forgiveness, you build love. When you experience gratitude you
expand love. By creating harmony you grow love. When you act with
kindness and compassion you reflect love. Live in ways that open the
door to kindness, harmony, compassion, forgiveness, creativity, and joy
and you will be spreading love throughout your day.
As Dion
Warwick once sang, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love." and it
has never been more apparent. As you begin to reflect love in your day
be kind to yourself. Do not judge or criticize your efforts. Each
conscious act of love can only build on the next until you one day
discover that you are expressing your inner light in a more dynamic,
beautiful and loving way.
It takes courage and creativity to be
on this planet. I so appreciate all of you who are partnering with me on
this exciting journey.
Love and light,
Nora
My actions and my thoughts create love.Suggestions: Read anything by Philip Cousineau
Read "Dying to Be Me" by Anita Moorjani
