Why Sentimental Love Can Change the World.
The universe turns differently when fire loves water.
Rumi, the Sufi mystic and poet alludes to the power that the love for opposites or enemies has. So powerful that the universe would change.
Rumi, of course, isn't the only one to talk on the subject.
Yet, it’s extremely difficult for most people to bridge the distance between opposing forces. Those forces could represent views, values, beliefs, lifestyles, agendas, interests, preferences or anything else that separates and divides.
It’s not the differences in these things that are the problem. Rather it’s the stand you take relative to those differences. You put yourself in the blue corner and someone else in the red. You make them your opponent and you come out fighting. Your mental differences harden your heart. This is the problem.
How do you achieve the kind of love the great spiritual teachers taught though?
It’s not through respect. Respect enables you to tolerate or perhaps even appreciate another, but there’s still a barrier between you and the one you respect.
Other techniques stem from the mind. For example, accepting differences or finding something in someone else that you like. This is a great method to rationalise and expand your perspective or fit someone else into your framework so once again you build tolerance. But you no more love them than you did before.
You might use compassion and forgiveness in recognising your own pitfalls, mistakes and weaknesses as a tool to put aside judgments and hurts. This process at least uses the faculty of the heart, but it’s not applicable in all cases.
So that brings us to the very unique quality of sentimental love.
A Conversation about Sentimental Love
Is it the same thing as romantic love?
No, romantic love can include sentimental love, but they are not the same. Sentimental love is the love that ties all humans together. It bonds them like an indestructible force which cannot be penetrated when pure.
Why is that important or relevant?
Because when humans are connected they’re not destructive. To each other or the planet.
A lot of people think we’re more connected now than we’ve ever been, but there’s no decrease in humanity’s harmful conduct.
The connection prevalent in the world today is technologically enhanced. Technology is also a very powerful tool to bring people closer together, but it cannot resolve the distance between hearts. In fact, it tends to increase the distance between heart and mind. The bonding through sentimental love, on the other hand, enables the bonding pair to exist at a lower energy level. Sentimentality provides a way in. A way for strangers to connect with little risk and exposure.
You mentioned earlier that sentimental love cannot be penetrated when pure, what do you mean by pure? How on earth is that supposed to happen in such a disparate and adverse species? Is that automatic with spiritual awakening?
It is in the seeing of both the pure and profane as one. Purity simply means with a heart that is open and receptive.
How does one do that? I mean I know how to open my mind, but my heart???
It is your natural desire.
Yeah, but the heart is often closed or covered. So what is required of people?
Nothing but your desire.
The desire of what/for what?
The desire for an open heart. When you activate your will for a force higher than animal nature, you are bound to set the wheels in motion to bring about that desire.
People often view sentimentality with disdain and negativity. So in what way is it powerful enough to change the world?
Yes, often many see it as foolish, weakness or vulnerability. Pity, as some refer to it. But sentimental love is naturally tender and indeed very powerful. It creates an opening through which one can access greater love.
Notice when you get sentimental or nostalgic what happens in your heart, body and mind? You relax, you soften and you open. That is a gateway for love to come forth and it matters not who or what the subject of your sentimentality is.
True, so I guess that means sentimental love is non-discriminatory and usable in all situations and circumstances?
Yes, that’s correct. Though you must still call your mind into account. If your mind is a raging bull, sentimental love is not the best antidote.
So how do we tap into sentimental love in our daily lives?
Simply recall things you are fond of, whether that be a person, a memory, a location, a song or anything else and allow the feelings to embrace you. In this way, all tension washes away and you are free to choose this state as a way of being. If you do this often enough, you establish a new paradigm for your soul to follow. One which is in closer alignment with your spirit. This automatically makes it easier to connect with others and establishes a space for human kindness.
It is also possible to engage in sentimental conversations. When you do this, positive communication comes through all your faculties to naturally enhance the connection with others. It facilitates emotional goodwill.
Sentimental love is the easiest form of love for all people to engage with. It is not dependent on a relationship, but it will strengthen one. As such it is by default the most powerful form of human love.
We need an intelligent and universal way to connect with each other. One that forges a united spirit. Are you saying that sentimental love is that way?
Yes. Sentimental love harmonises and humans need harmony to survive and prosper.
Thanks for reading, I truly hope you got something out of it.
Go to A Love Bug for more articles on love, life and the incredibleness of you.
