Unconditional Love

Photo taken by me at the Botanical Gardens and digitally altered.

Unconditional love is a rare virtue. We would all like to think we love unconditionally yet as humans we will fault. I think there are two necessary components to loving and being loved in this manner.

First is shedding all expectations. We naturally expect certain things from our family and friends. We expect respect, love, generosity and much more. When we do not receive what we expect from people, which we not always will, we become angry, disappointed and sometimes vengeful. If we learned to shed all of our expectations and accept our friends and family members for who they are we would never have to experience the anger and disappointment which comes from our expectations.

Second we absolutely must learn not to judge. Everyone is equal. No one is better or worse than anyone else. We have to put ourselves in others' shoes. How do we feel when we are judged? Live and let be. Allow people to live their own lives and make their own mistakes. Whether you agree with someones decisions or not, do not judge them but rather be there and support them in whatever they choose.

It is difficult to absorb this mindset until you ask yourself two things. Do I want to be judged for who I am or what I do? And, Do I enjoy everyone expecting things from me? Only then can you experience unconditional love for yourself and others.

It however can be done and once you've experienced it your life will never be the same.

The Families We Make

This poem was written a while ago for a very dear "singer" friend of mine. It still holds true today and speaks of friendship and the bond between true friends. I've learned, during my over half a century life that true and real friends are rare. Friends do not disrespect or judge each other. They do not make light of your ailments or faults but rather support and love you just the way you are. They do not need to buy their way into your life but rather give you their hope, support and inspiration. I've many friends and acquaintances yet few who are real and true to this unconditional love. For those whom I love and love me unconditionally, this is for you.

The Families We Make
for Sone

Though we are not sisters
my family
would not be complete
without you.

The unconditional love
I have for you
makes me a better person.
By your example
I have learned
to expect nothing
and give more.

You inspire
my every thought
and I thank you
my friend,
for being you.

My Love Sense

Love
speaks in silence
the unconditional
stanzaic interlude
between heart and soul.
Never wanting
always waiting
to give freely
and openly.


Love
does not see color
nor stereotypical
ego branded persona.
As spirit seer
pure love
accepts all
with understanding
and patience.


Love
hears beyond sound
soft whispers
of heartstrings
playing in rhythm
the quiet song -
a deafening simplicity
defining uniqueness
to authentic self.


Love
tastes the sweet n sour
of daily imperfections
savoring the bitter
with the sweet.
The perfect blend
providing nourishment
for the heart
digesting the mix.


Love
smells indifference
and recoils at the
nauseous self righteous
stench of the arrogant
yet embraces the
empowering odor
of forgiveness -
a scent of healing.


Love
touches softly
hearts who hear,
minds who see,
spirits who know
the freedom to give
inherent deep within
our soul
without expectation -


unconditionally.