Man's natural instinct is to fight. It always has been and 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. We feel first, then think. As mankind evolves, it will think more than feel, but this is in the far future. At this time in history, the three demons of rage, jealousy, and vengeance govern your 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 there is more of the monsters in our battered hearts and less love. I know you do not want it this way. Only fools would choose strife and heartache over peace and joy! Why then don't we have what we want most in the world, which is to be loved and to return that love? How do we become containers filled with the magical elixir of love?
It is a common saying that "birds of a feather flock together." This is a common yet accurate adage. Who and what we surround ourselves with will control us. When it comes to the elusive and precious quality of love, few people have enough of it to flow over onto others. There are sweet-natured folks, but when put under pressure, even the sweetest person can turn almost unrecognizable. Even the most innocent individual can harbor the three beasts. We are all susceptible to powerful negative emotions until we free ourselves of them. Given this reality, 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. Humanity loves to think of itself as autonomous, but in reality, we are more like pack animals. We pass on our negative attitudes, critiques, and even hatreds. We are extremely similar to a pack of wolves that run together in families.
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" have worked out a secret: being part of the pack entails being susceptible to contagious disease. To remain part of the inner circle entails following the pack and being exposed to its attitudes, decisions, and ideals. "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 as well 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 chewed you up completely. You saved yourself when you stepped outside the circle of anger, jealousy, and revenge. There was a deep sadness felt when you had to turn away, and even today you only 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 to keep love in our hearts if we are alone in the night or if we are still running with the pack, observing the rules? Regardless of your situation, I know you want belonging and love. But not everyone will have it, though everyone deserves it. As I said, "Birds of a feather..." What you are nearest will fill your cup. Unless you take time to still yourself and be with the opposite of the 3 monsters, you will never rid yourself of them. 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 to fill you? 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. It is as Jesus said; it is a well of fresh water that ever flows from the center of you. When someone has hurt you, how do you find forgiveness? It is found in this eternal spring. When you want to control and hold even tighter, how do you let go? You find it at the center of your heart. When your anger cools, how do you love again? Your heart's door opens to that fresh wellspring. Isn't it so?
The entrance to your heart must be opened, and the eternal qualities must flow out in order to drive the monsters from your mind. Only you, my friend, have the ability to open that door. Not even God can force it open. These qualities are divine, but only if you permit them. It just requires bravery. Sometimes it takes a lot of bravery to let go, forgive, and accept again. But if you will only let it flow, you are a never-ending wellspring of goodness. Let your heart open and release it.
With Love,
Frida
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