The Magic of Love

We all long for it.

Some turn inward to find it, some affiliate it with a deep intimacy with another human being, and some link it to a community to which they belong. And some transcend all and see it all around them in the smallest gifts of the world.

Regardless of the means, we all search for it.

However, we might all use different words and ways to articulate it. But we all know it when we feel it. The first thing we can say is that it feels open, it feels warm, and it makes us remember what it feels like to be fully alive again. Even momentarily, time stops within its presence.

And we can express it in various forms.

For some, this shines as a peaceful, solitary presence; for some, it manifests as a passionate, dynamic union with another, bringing more diversity and beauty into our human experience. For some, this creates the space for a personal and professional community to thrive and grow together.

Finally, regardless of how we surrender ourselves to it, we all belong to it.

Through following our hearts, through putting our minds into the service of our hearts, we come back home. When we follow our hearts, we find our home.

Yes, I am talking about that magic of life. I am talking about LOVE- Living Organisms Valuing Existence.

I am talking about what it means to be a human. To be a human is to acknowledge that we are all Living Organisms on a journey to learn how to value all of life: How to love ourselves, our partners, families, communities, and the whole cosmos with all the sacred life breathing in it.

When we love, we are finally loved back.

I started writing this contemplation after experiencing multiple magical moments out in nature, adoring the beauty and softness of snowflakes and playing with them for hours like a child again.

Just when I was meditating on those moments before starting this contemplation, it was such a sweet coincidence to come across another beautiful definition, coming from the English poet William Wordsworth: "Spots of Time" - small, memorable events that occur mainly outdoors and in touch with nature and they are capable of lifting us up when we are fallen.

Just as love would do when we fall into our fears...

There are in our existence spots of time,

That with distinct pre-eminence retain

A renovating virtue, whence, depressed

By false opinion and contentious thought,

Or aught of heavier or more deadly weight,

In trivial occupations, and the round

Of ordinary intercourse, our minds

Are nourished and invisibly repaired;

A virtue, by which pleasure is enhanced,

That penetrates, enables us to mount,

When high, more high, and lifts us up when fallen

– William Wordsworth, The Prelude.

Spots of Time- This was exactly the perfect description of the grace that has touched my life within the purity of those snowflakes outside.

When we have eyes to see, all there is in life is beauty.

Sometimes, we get too consumed in our own human complexity that we can miss these simple pleasures and gifts of love in our lives. During this week, where we are collectively celebrating and honoring life, I wanted to share some loveful moments from my own life and invite you to honor the love in your own authentic expressions.

Contemplative Invitations:

• What does love mean to you? How do you express it and receive it?

• How do you cultivate love for yourself and others in your daily life? What are some practices or habits that help you do so?

• How do you deal with the challenges and obstacles that may arise in your relationships? How do you overcome fear, doubt, or resentment and restore trust, harmony, and compassion?

In awe and gratitude for the beauty of life, I wish you all a blessed Valentine’s Day!

From my heart to yours with boundless Love,

Doruk