A human being is a part of the whole that we call the universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest—a kind of optical illusion of his consciousness. This illusion is a prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for only the few people nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings and all of nature.’
Albert Einstein

Unconditional love
The term ‘love’ is frequently used to describe love between lovers. On the other hand, ‘unconditional love’ is used to portray love between family members, friends and between others in committed relationships. When you love someone regardless of their actions or beliefs, you express unconditional love. True love is unconditional love towards one and all. Like the sun’s rays, it is warm; like rose petals, it adds colour and joy to life; like a mountain stream, it flows freely and encircles all creation.

The reason people tend to express anger, confusion and resentment is because of the lack of unconditional love. Our emotional need for unconditional love is like our physical need for food and air. Where unconditional love is missing, people tend to behave in an abnormal way and tend to adopt violent and aggressive means to gain attention.

Giving without any expectations
Unconditional love is giving love without any condition or expectation in return. Once we love others in true spirit, we strike a chord with the universe and radiate the positive energy of love from within us like the sun. Again like the sun, the Power of Love thrives on itself. When we radiate true love, we receive true love in return.

When you start loving all life on earth with an equal eye, you generate a strong sense of interconnection with everything. Since we all thrive on common resources such as food, air, shelter and water, we share a strong connection with each and every being. Thus, the Power of Love is always available to us. You can tap this potential by cultivating a heart that gives and receives without expectations.

‘We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.’ —Sir Winston Churchill

Love teaches humility
Love can instil humbleness in you. Through humility you can become a person who is eager to learn, grow and acquire new skills through constant improvement. You must embrace humility if you wish to express the greatness and divinity that lies within you. Such modesty can be developed by following a lifestyle of simple living and high thinking. It will help you discover your true nature and qualities such as enthusiasm, wisdom and creativity.

You will realize that there is so much to learn and do in life. Humility instils an urge to be curious and to learn new things. It helps in self-awareness, self-improvement and unlocks the key to greatness. Taking the humble approach means being aware of your weaknesses while developing your strengths.

‘My religion is simple. My religion is kindness.’ —Dalai Lama

Forgiveness is the beauty of the soul and is often denied to it. There may be times when people caused you pain. You will often feel hurt and angry. In such cases, you must learn to let go. You will feel relaxed once you forgive someone who wronged you. You will be relieved of past wounds and unconditional love will fill that wound in the due course of time. What is most important here is your decision to forgive and forget.

Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the person. —Max Lucado

Till about a century ago, people could travel without a passport or visa anywhere in the world, without any restriction. National boundaries barely existed. After the two World Wars, many nations started feeling insecure, an identity crisis was triggered and narrow nationalistic feelings became stronger. These feelings became so intense that children were taught to take pride only in their nation’s culture and traditions, and the idea of ‘national patriotism’ took root. This, among other things, widened the divide between the rich and poor across the world. But in the 21st century the pace of multicultural social and corporate exchanges has quickened once again. And no matter where you are or what you do, you must try to embrace everyone around you in the blanket of unconditional love.

Two Action Steps:

Step 1: Learn to give without expectations. Whenever you offer any help to a stranger, do it without any expectation in return. There is nothing more valuable than a kind act and when you perform it with unconditional love, a sense of joy will pervade through your being.

Step 2: Be an observer and do not judge people or situations. When you are in an awkward situation, try not judge the situation or the people involved in it. Be open and try to observe the situation as it is and not as you want to see it.

Success Mantra: Remember that love is the strongest power. Love binds us and connects us all. Enlarge your heart and your circle of love: love yourself, your family, your neighbours, those who do not like you, your fellow countrymen, all the citizens of the world and all life on earth. Love everyone, and one day you will find everyone loving you. Begin now.

©Shishir Srivsatava, Motivational Speaker and Author ‘The Eight Powers within You’
www.shishirsrivastava.org and www.eightpowers.com