The Definition of Love #Valentine #ValentinesDay

by - Ambalal M. Patel 

What do you seek when you think of pure and unconditional love? Does one truely mean ‘love’ in saying ‘I love you’? The truth is that we accept what we think is ‘love’ in multiple ways.

No one, except the Gnani Purush understands and applies the absolute definition for the word ‘love’?

‘That which increases one moment and decreases the next, is not love:

That which resides in the heart and remains the same, is real love.’ - Gnani Purush Dada Bhagwan (Reciting Kabir)

For example, during a fight between a father and son, it can be seen that the father shows his love in the form of protection which is projected by this scolding when the son does not listen in the moment. Another way can be projected when a girl’s boyfriend gifts her a box of chocolates and roses. She will say, “This is a symbol of his love for me.” However, how can one be sure that this is love? How does the scolding of a father, which seems so negative, show something as positive as love? In addition, how can one determine the love of two people by kind gestures such as giving gift?

Generally, we do not understand what love truely is or how it can be given or recieved. Luckily, Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan describes the exact meaning of love by disecting and explaining the different characteristics of what Pure Love is:

• Love remains within normal bounds
• Love is sincere
• Love does not see faults
• Real love has NO motives
• Love is selfless
• Love has no limitations
• Love arises from absolute detachment
• There is no emotion in love

• Where there is love, there is liberation.

In further explanation, love remains in normal bounds or remains in equaniminty. Under this, the characteristic of love (stated above) are all linked together. For example, if a wife claims to love her husband but feels hate for him only when he scolds her, then that is not love.
Love is a like a constant variable in a science equation. It has to remain and cannot change. This means love has to be constant, it cannot increase nor diminish at any given moment no matter the circumstances. If it fluctuates, then it will be considered infatuation and attraction. “Real love should not break under any circumstances. It can only be called love if it never breaks. That is the test of love. However, whatever love there is which is of any worth, it is the love of a mother.” explained by Gnani Purush Dada Bhagwan.

Therefore, in love that is true, one should not see faults in any one for anything even if they attempt to hurt you. This is sincere love. With eliminating faults from one’s vision, sincerity takes place in love. Just as the Gnani Purush does not see faults in anyone at all no matter what their past or present events represents of themselves. This love of the Gnani Purush is pure because he loves everyone equally with no motive. He may not personally know everyone but this love can still be felt in his presence because he has no selfish means to seek from anyone. Pure love will always remain constant and without attachment. This is why there should be no emotion in pure love.

There must not be sadness or excessive happiness, this is not love. There is no plus or minus, give or take, in love. Gnani Purush Dada Bhagwan says, “Until one attains the state where one becomes free of all insistence, the love of the world will not be acquired”. With this pure love, one can seek liberation. This liberation is full of infinite bliss and pure love.

In order to begin applying Pure Love to life, one must be aware of the Pure Soul. The Gnani Purush attains this knowledge that can be received by attending Gnan Vidhi. Once one’s self, the Soul, is realized and kept in awareness, one can see and use the applications of these characteristics in Pure Love.

Soure- https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/the-definition-of-love

So...Do YOU Love YourSelf? Would YOU Be Your Valentine?! #Valentine #LoveYourself

By  Rhonda Maria Farrah MA

When you are strong enough to love yourself 100%, good and bad, you will be amazed at the opportunities that life presents you. –Unknown

Loving YourSelf is the single most important principle…on this planet… in the creation process. If you don't love yourself, it is likely that you won't decide to give yourself the things you think you want. Likely that you don't think you deserve them…and even more that you certainly won't have the energy to take action to create them. Of this I am certain!

When we were born, most of us were the center of the Universe. Remember? Everything revolved around us and our welfare. And then around age 2, socialization took over and familial and societal rules demanded the giving up of Self. Remember that… share the toy you want, don't ask for what you want, don't want. Good little girls and boys didn't do those things. Now we're adults screaming, "Why can't I create what I want?" Hey…I know!

It's time to reclaim that little person inside that knew they were good enough, smart enough, brave enough, and special enough to ask for, and get, what they wanted. It's been so long that most of us have lost the art of even knowing how to ask for what we want. Take it from me…It’s time!

In my speaking engagements and seminars, often, when I ask for people to state the above, I get responses like… "I don't want to worry about money anymore," and "I don't want to be alone," or "I don't want this dis-ease, illness…this sickness." Nobody says what they want!! They tell me what they want by stating what they DON'T want. Wow…what’s that about???!!!

It doesn't tell me what anyone wants. It doesn't give me clear direction. That is what most of us are doing with the Universe, and the Universe is replying… "Hey…YOU…I don't understand the direction. Say What? I can't deliver the performance…that which your Soul is requesting and craving!"

I say we all give ourselves permission to love ourselves enough to give us - and the Creative Force - a very clear statement of desire for manifestation…that is, Abundance, Wellness, Freedom, Love, Bliss, Harmony, Peace, Grace & Happiness. I AM, and create, all in my life because I create me as these experiences within first. Match THAT, Universe. And the Universe says, "Yes."

We all want money. Ask for it. We all want love and passion. Ask for it. We all want wellness and unlimited energy. Ask for it. What are we waiting for? Really!

The original meaning of the ancient Hebrew teaching "Ask and you receive" …was "Claim or Demand...and you receive." Well, I am stepping forward to claim and demand the attributes of freedom, love, etc. to perfectly match up with the money and passion I claim. Really! Also… that all is good, in integrity, and unconditional love for all concerned…

And, I AM standing in my Knowing that when I experience my own love and power, I give everyone the excitement, right, and power to do the same.

And the Universe says "Yes". The Universe says - "YES…your wish is my command!"

While I invite my audiences to consider a number of avenues to loving…yes, truly loving Self…I will leave you with what I consider the essentials of same…Loving YourSelf! They remain…

Treat others with love and respect. Bringing joy to other people's lives will help you find joy in your own. In addition, those that you treat well will likely repay you with the same kindness. Gradually you will start to feel your worth through the smiles of gratitude. However, don't just be very kind to people so you can receive royal treatment.

Learn to let go of past events. You deserve a fresh beginning! There are a lot of people out there that have had hard lives/bad beginnings or moments. Don't close yourself out because of grief, disappointments, or fears of future ridicule. Acknowledge your feelings, but work to put them behind you. Cherish what you have learned from your challenges, and how you have changed and grown from them. Forgive those who have done you wrong. Most importantly, though, forgive yourSelf.

Forgive yourSelf. Don't punish yourSelf for something you have done in the past. Instead, look at that experience (some say "mistake") as a learning experience. Say to yourSelf now: “I forgive mySelf for _______.” Go look in a mirror and say it out loud to yourSelf. Look yourSelf right in the eyes and speak forgiveness like you mean it. Don't ever demean or ridicule yourSelf. If you do, laugh out loud, realizing that was then and this is now. Every day is a new beginning. If you did something you are not proud of, resolve to never do it again and take steps to keep it out of your mind.

Do what you love. What do you love to do? If you could find something that you love to do and spend time doing it, you will experience love, joy, and happiness in your heart. That is when you truly connect with your Authentic Self. As a result, you become happier and more loving. sk YourSelf…What makes my tail wag?!

Treat yourself like treating your very best friend. How do you treat your very best friend? Do you treat him/her with love, kindness, trust, appreciation, acceptance, and respect? If you can give that to your friend, why don’t you give that to yourSelf? Practice treating yourSelf like you treat your very best friend by saying kind words to yourSelf. Stop calling yourSelf names. Stop beating yourSelf up. Give yourSelf compliments. Know your boundaries and listen deeply to your needs. Always be kind and gentle with yourSelf.

Nurture yourself. Self care is very important. Set up some time to be by yourSelf, just by yourSelf. Do something that gives you peace, love, and joy with yourSelf. You can nurture yourself physically by exercising and consuming healthy food. You can nurture yourself emotionally by listening to love songs, painting, or helping others in need. As you give yourSelf to others and offer help, you receive the gift of love back. You feel good about yourSelf because you live your life on purpose. You can nurture yourSelf mentally by reading your favorite books. You can nurture yourSelf spiritually by doing meditation.

We spend so much time waiting to be loved, hoping love will find us, searching, yearning for that special love. Feeling empty and lost without it. Wanting someone to give us love and fill us up.

Unfortunately, that’s not usually how life works. Loving yourSelf is mainly having self-respect which is the only dependable way to create love in your own life to share with others. When you expect love from an external source, and someone or something does not fulfill your void and fantasies, then you will feel worse than before. To be able to be loved, you must love and respect yourSelf as much as you do others. Understanding the effects of loving yourSelf will only enhance your ability to love others. By doing so, you are enabling positive energy and allowing for great situations to occur in your life. This guide will help. Never think that you're living your life for nothing. Every day, there are people coming in and out of the world, so spend it wisely and respect yourSelf.

In order to love someone, you must love YourSelf! Of this, I AM certain!

To Our Health, Wealth & Empowerment Together!
With Love & Blessings!
Rhonda

Source -  https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/sodo-you-love-yourself-would-you-be-your-valentine-0

13 Questions to Know if They're the One for You - #valentine

By Dr Carmen Harra

Few things are as exciting as the prospect of new love; you light up at the idea of having found a person who cares, who can give you the love you deserve, who’s just right for you. Yet at the same time, you hesitate: But is he the right person? You wonder one thing: Is he the one for me?

In order to answer that question, you must first understand why you met this person: some people come into your life for a season and others to teach you a lesson. But everyone comes for a reason. Through careful introspection and the honest answers to a few questions, you can recognize your partner's predestined role in your life. Reflect on these questions to determine the compatibility, quality, and durability of your love:

1. What does your future look like? Can you imagine building together? Can you envision yourself growing old with this person? If your partner possesses serious character flaws, such as addiction, abusive tendencies, or pathological lying, you may not realistically see a future by his side. Visualize your relationship in five, 10, even 20 years down the road. How do you expect it to change? Even more importantly, how do you expect it to evolve?

2. How does he regard family? Does he have close ties with his familymembers? Is family a priority? Even if your partner has experienced familial rifts, has he cared enough to try to work things out? The way in which a person tends to his family speaks volumes about the way he will treat you when you become a part of his household.

3. Can you both compromise? If ever there were a secret to a lasting relationship, it is compromise. Do you and your partner believe in compromise over separation? Is he willing to give and take with you on essential matters? A relationship without compromise is a road with a guaranteed dead end.

4. Do you speak the same language? By language, I don't mean having the same system of speech; I refer to mentality. Do you share the same views and aims? Similar morals and values? Partners who have parallel goals are more likely to remain together than those whose ambitions span in opposite directions.

5. What emotions does he trigger? A person who evokes mostly anxiety, worry, and pain is not the right person for you. But a person who steadies the emotions within you, bringing tranquility and harmony, is like water to a rose garden; this is a partner who can help you bloom into your highest, most incredible self. Remember that the greatest gift anyone can give you is peace of mind.

6. Do you need him? Partners who are meant to be don't just want each other, they need each other. Theirs is a union that swims a deep ocean. After a hard day, they yearn for each other’s embrace. They need the consoling words of their other half, their healing presence and unique touch. This kind of love transcends wanting—it’s a longing from the seat of the soul. So ask yourself: Do you need him?

7. How does he compare to other partners? Have you brought into your life a partner who’s a copy of a former love? Or does this person hold positive qualities that previous partners lacked? If you don't completely heal from and resolve the karma of past relationships, it's likely that you’ll attract a similar companion once more. Compare the patterns that existed in preceding relationships with your present love to ensure that you're making progress.

8. Can you tolerate his weaknesses? Relationships require a certain degree of tolerance that will undoubtedly test your patience. Can you "stand" all of your partner's faults? Every one of his bad habits and ill manners? Similarly, do you appreciate his way of being? Can you genuinely adapt to his taste? Unconditional love calls that we accept our partner’s weaknesses in the same way as his strengths.

9. Do you see potential for improvement? Human beings are highly prone to error. The fact is that you’ll never find a "perfect" partner; we all need a bit of work. Every person who walks through your life will leave flawed footprints. What does matter is a person's potential to improve in time, and what makes someone a good partner is his willingness to better himself each day.

10. Do you share a soulful bond? A soulmate is like the missing piece of our puzzle. Soulful bonds and far and few but when they do occur, they're obvious to both partners and pass the test of time. One of my previous entries, "The 10 Elements of a Soulmate," outlines telltale soulmate signs. Among them is a strong feeling of déjà vu, an us-against-the-world mentality, a curious intensity, and a comforting sense of security.

11. What has he taught you? The right partner will double as your teacher. Two souls in sync will have much to learn from one another. Whether they are lessons in love, work, finances, forgiveness, or any other element of life, the ideal partner will motivate your mind to expand and your spirit to evolve.

12. Is he generous? Not just to you, but to others. While you won’t be offered everything on a silver platter, you do deserve a partner who's fair and gives back as much as he takes. Does he gift you freely with his time, affection, and attention? Such rewards are invaluable.

13. Do you expect miracles? Often you can anticipate the course of your relationship before it unfolds. When I met my husband, I instantly saw the miracles that would manifest between us: taking our first steps into our new home and holding our newborn daughter for the first time. I just knew that with this person, such beautiful things were bound to happen. The right kind of love offers you hope and the right partner makes you believe in miracles. So what blessings do you feel will develop in your own relationship?

Sharing chemistry with someone is a rare treasure. But knowing early on whether a partner is right for you is equally necessary. Think about the answers to these 13 questions to discover your partner's true place in your life and reveal if he's really the one.

To finding the one,

Dr. Carmen Harra

Source - https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/13-questions-to-know-if-theyre-the-one-for-you