Man's natural instinct is to fight. It always will be. Aggression almost characterizes human existence. Anger, jealousy, and vengeance are all extremely visceral emotions that always take precedence over peace. This is because we are more emotional than rational in nature. We feel first, think next. As mankind evolves, it will think more than feel, but this is in the far future. At this time the three demons of rage, jealousy, and vengeance govern human affairs, especially the most volatile: your romantic life. But is it really a love life, or hasn't it been more of a battleground? If pressed to tell the truth, we would admit that on occasion there is a monster in your battered heart. But I know you do not want it this way. Only fools would choose strife and heartache over peace and joy! Why then don't humans have what they want most in the world, which is to be loved and to return that love? How to become containers filled with the magical elixir of love?
It is a common saying that "birds of a feather flock together." This is an accurate adage. Who and what we surround ourselves with will influence us. When it comes to the mysterious quality of love, few people have enough to flow over onto others. There are sweet-natured folks, but when put under enough pressure, even the sweetest person can turn almost unrecognizable. The most good-natured individual can harbor the three beasts. We are all susceptible to powerful negative emotions. We are rubbing off on each other, which is why violence and suffering persist. It's as if one individual contracts an ailment and unknowingly spreads it to the next person. People love to think of themselves as autonomous, but in reality, humans are more like pack animals. They pass on negative attitudes, critiques, and even hatreds. Humanity is extremely similar to a pack of wolves that run together.
Outliers are wolves who have chosen to remain apart from the pack, putting themselves in danger of assault that the loyal members do not face. Usually, the "black sheep" has worked out a secret: being part of the pack entails being susceptible to contagious disease. To remain part of the inner circle entails being exposed to its attitudes, decisions, and ideals. The "Black sheep" have had enough of unhealthy thinking and habits and have decided it is healthier to go it alone. If you consider yourself a "lone wolf" or perhaps the "black sheep," you wear it both as a badge of honor and as a mark of sorrow. It is not by choice that you stepped away from your family, nation, or relationship; it was by necessity. Had you stayed, they would have devoured you. You saved yourself when you stepped outside their circle of anger, jealousy, and revenge. There was a deep sadness felt when you turned away, and even today you wish you were not alone. You gaze out at the midnight moon and howl. There are lone wolves scattered throughout the planet, all howling their distinctive songs of loss. How to return to love?
How does one keep love in the heart when alone in the night? Regardless of your situation, I know you crave belonging. However, not everyone will have it, though everyone deserves it. What are the opposites of anger, jealousy, and vengeance? Acceptance is the reverse of rage. The opposite of jealousy is freedom. Forgiveness is the antithesis of revenge. Who possesses these three virtues in sufficient quantities? Acceptance, freedom, and forgiveness can only be found in one location. You might guess God, which is a decent assumption because God is all of those things. But closer to home, your soul is all of these elements. Jesus claimed that there is a well of fresh water that flows from the center of you. When someone has hurt you, how do you find forgiveness? It is found in this eternal spring. When it is time to let go, how do you? When your anger cools, your heart's door must open to that fresh wellspring. Isn't it so?
The entrance to your heart must be opened, and these three eternal qualities must flow to drive the monsters from your mind. Only you can open that door. Not even God can force it open. These qualities are divine but only work if you permit them. Sometimes it takes a lot of bravery to let go, to forgive, and to accept. But if you will let this inner spring flow, you become a never-ending source of goodness. Let your heart open to release it.
With Love,
Frida
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