On Love

When we think of love, most often it’s interpersonal love; the stuff of which relationships are made. The dancing-on-a-cloud or addicted-to-you kind. Or the heart-breaking, cry all night, never-gonna-love-again stuff. It’s oh so human to think in limited terms, isn’t it?

But what is love really? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it can be many things, including “no score” in tennis and, of course, a strong sexual affection. The first definition given is: “That state of feeling with regard to a person which manifests itself in concern for the person’s welfare, pleasure in his or her presence, and often desire for his or her approval; deep affection, strong emotional attachment.” (It’s also noted that a former meaning is “an act of kindness”.) And affection is defined in part as “goodwill, kindly feeling, love.”

I submit that in its highest state, love can be a cohesive spiritual force that encompasses all life.

* * *