Love Is Not A Feeling, It's An Ability

Our effort is important in the growth of our capacity to love. One effort that enhances love is accepting that we are one, which makes love of 'the other' love of self, and turns 'us vs them' into simply 'us'. When asked how we should treat others, Hindu sage Ramana Maharshi said, "There are no others." Love is oneness, and the more I abide in our oneness the more I enhance my capacity to love. Our capacity to love is also enhanced by accepting that we are God incarnate, and to love the other is to love God. I came to realize that my love is mine -- it is part of me, controlled by me, and can be unconditional, not a reaction to a circumstance, not beholden to circumstance, not done for any goal. I can love independent of the other and of circumstances. Reminding myself of all this helps me return to a place of loving kindness.