We Have the Power to Love: Embracing What We Can Control

"Love is the answer to all questions, the healing balm for all wounds, and the ultimate truth of our existence." – Pema Chodron

Elizabeth Gilbert’s Letters from Love inspired today’s post. She begins each of her letters with the question:

“Dear Love, what would you have me know today?”

Today, I’m sharing what’s been on my mind this past week, given the events going on in the world. It’s a letter from me, to me, created with love. I hope it resonates with you.

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Darling,

I can empathize with the overwhelming and bleak feelings that have consumed you. Your heart is weighed down with tears, especially in these past few weeks.

You’ve felt shock, anguish, and grief, as you analyze and try to understand. What people are experiencing is not fair, it’s heartbreaking. It doesn’t make sense.

Rather than dwelling on these thoughts, allow the sadness and despair to flow through you. Experience the emotions coming up. Do not shy away from discomfort. Your feelings must be experienced and processed.

Though you are just one tiny human in this vast universe, there are still things you can do. You can elevate the collective consciousness; you can unite with others, amplifying peoples’ voices and working towards a brighter future. You can speak up when you’re called to and be generous to those in need. You can connect deeply to your humanity.

Humanity’s best traits are in its expression of love — it’s the universal language that binds us all. Immerse yourself in it. Continue spreading your own love and kindness to everyone you encounter. Embrace lucid optimism— acknowledge reality while standing firmly against despair. You can hold two emotions at once: sadness and joy, complexity and hope. The world craves your lucid optimism, especially today.

Even when darkness tempts you to be cynical, choose to keep your heart open. Rebel against fear and continue living, celebrating this precious life. Create art. Choose joy. Let loved ones feel your love. Continue to maintain faith in peace and change. Trust in the light, no matter how faint it may seem. It's always the light that dissolves darkness. Love is that light, and it's needed now more than ever.

Remember, Darling, love will always begin with you. But it radiates far beyond your presence.

x

Love