Forbidden Love
Many loves are inappropriate, but the one most forbidden is the one named Unconditional.
Society says only a deity can love unconditionally; mortal persons are not capable. I protest this claim and accept it as a challenge! Years ago, I committed myself to the exploration and practice of Unconditional Love. Am I Icarus, who's hubris cost him his life flying too close to the sun? Am I Pollyannish? No! I reject the notion that humans cannot practice unequivocal acceptance, ergo, love. If it is forbidden, we forbade ourselves! In my case, If I fear to love wholeheartedly, it's because I fear losing my righteous anger, political prejudice, and justifiable indignation.
I'm writing this on Christmas Eve. During this short holiday, it is customary to experience a brief opening of the heart. It's the perfect time for me to ask myself more in-depth questions about love and how to behave in the world when the holiday is over.
When I gaze into my image 'Forbidden Love,' I contemplate those whom I've forbidden myself to love and ask why. I set the intention to interact with the stress of the world without contributing to the drama. I challenge myself to replace anger and hate with curiosity.