“Separation is the absence of Love, and Love is the absence of Separation.”

– Ramesh S. Balsekar

Much literature about the subject exists today, and this is no different. Given that the previous post on the topic is much more difficult to read, I thought that a re-write is in order.

The way that I attempt to broach the subject is to look at it from an experiential perspective.

To love something is to take or consider the subject as part of oneself. That means that I take the best interests of said thing or person as my own.

I cannot even consider harming or acting against its best interests because it’s equal to harming myself.

It’s groundwork for a good relationship when reciprocated by both sides. That’s what drives hobbyists to take such good care of their things. The dedicated worker or artist puts meticulous effort into their work because their it’s an expression of themselves.

When considered, I began to realize that I have a choice.

Am I willing to take the best interests of the person before me as my own?

I say this because I appreciate them as a fellow human being. It’s a far cry from the romantic infatuation that we’re conditioned to believe, but it works. I take this one step further and through reciprocation we deepen our relationship. Whether we end up as romantic partners or close friends is not the point, but it can go that way.

So I practice making that choice over and over again as a starting point in all relations. That, and being clear on my boundaries when I do so. From my experience, I know that most folk are willing to reciprocate that on that level. Perhaps its recognition of our shared fellowship as a member of the human species. Whatever that may be, that simple realization makes my experience of living in this world a much friendlier one.

Can it deepen though?

Now that’s something that needs more exploring.