love
Thoughts, feelings, and actions all impact what we create in our world. The energy we hold in our bodies also affects what we manifest in our physical surroundings. I often write about the healing power of love. While love is a powerful healing force, I did not realize until recently that love has a companion that can propel it forward and bring about transformation – respect.
Animals in the wild (when not infringed upon by humans) maintain their natural habitat through respect for one another. Some people believe that this respect is rooted in fear, but that is not the case. The basis for their mutual respect is the understanding that each species and individual plays a significant role in the scheme of life.
It can be easy to respect someone when we agree with their actions. The challenge often arises when we dislike or even detest another’s behavior. It is possible to respect another living being while disapproving of their behavior. Energetically this can make all the difference in the world.
When I think back to the times in my life with conflict, it was my energy of disrespect rather than any actions I took that contributed to the unrest. Even when we love someone, if we feel disdain for them, they consciously or unconsciously feel it. Sensed disrespect can create an intolerable psychological state for some people and cause them to act in cruel or reckless ways.
So how do we translate this insight into practice? We commit to being aware of our internal experience and making wise choices. We take responsibility for shifting our feelings, thoughts, energy, and action. Every living being is deserving of love and respect, just because they exist. Even those who behave in egregious ways have a hurt little child inside and a beautiful soul longing to emerge.