Unconditional Love: Expanding Your Heart and Spirit
Have you ever felt limited in your capacity to love? Do you find yourself loving conditionally – expecting something in return, or only loving certain people? This type of love, though common, can lead to disappointment and a closed-off heart. Luckily, there’s another way – unconditional love.
Bentinho Massaro encourages us to explore unconditional love in three main areas:
- Love for Yourself: This means accepting every aspect of who you are. It means loving your body, your mind, your personality, and your experiences. Practice self-compassion and forgiveness in the face of those inevitable slip-ups.
- Love for Others: Others are the “rest of yourself.” Can you extend that same feeling of love beyond yourself? Love unconditionally, regardless of whether the love is reciprocated or whether you agree with someone’s actions. This expands your love and deepens connection.
- Love for the Divine: Bentinho calls this love for the “one infinite creator.” It involves seeing the divine in every person and experience. It’s choosing a heart of devotion and deep appreciation.
Trust and Fearlessness
Alongside love comes trust and fearlessness. Here are ways to cultivate these:
- Trust in your Safety: Can you fundamentally trust that you are safe and protected? This doesn’t mean nothing bad will happen, but that your core essence is secure.
- Trust in Your Spiritual Journey: Even when the path seems long or confusing, can you trust the unfolding process? Have faith that it’s leading you where you need to go.
- Trust in Abundance: The universe is overflowing with abundance. Can you trust that you are supported and your desires to create a beautiful life can manifest?
- Fearlessly Desire: Own your desires! Stop apologizing for wanting what you want. This allows your energy to focus and brings things to you more easily.
- Fearlessly Express: Speak your truth, communicate honestly, and show up as your authentic self. This builds confidence and stronger relationships.
- Fearlessly Serve: Step outside your comfort zone to help others. This not only makes the world better but opens your heart to unimaginable joy.
A Practice for Transformation
Before bed tonight, sink into a quiet space and meditate for a few minutes. Then, go through these questions one by one, considering them with your heart:
- How can I love myself more unconditionally?
- How can I love others more unconditionally?
- How can I love the divine essence more unconditionally?
- Can I trust more fully that I am safe?
- Can I trust my spiritual path?
- Can I trust in the abundance of the universe?
- Can I fearlessly own my desires?
- Can I fearlessly express myself authentically?
- Can I fearlessly serve others?
This practice is simple yet profound. Allow answers to bubble up without judgment.
A Quote for Inspiration
“Love is a choice, not merely a feeling. Unconditional love is a decision you make moment to moment.” – Bentinho Massaro
Bible Reference
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5