A love to the SunPhoto byAkash Debnath, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

In a world so complicated and challenged on many levels, the decisions we make provide the topography not only of our own lives but also those with whom we share them. Every choice carries within it the power to contribute to an emerging tide of compassion or to the entrenched and often devastating patterns of fear, anger, and indifference that characterize most of our interactions. One profound and simple way to ensure that our choices will be a force for good is to base them on love.

The Power of Love to Guide Us

As a matter of fact, the so-called unconditioned love remembers nothing about gains, ego, or prejudice. It would be more appropriate to say it's energy directed at uplifting, nurturing, and connecting. Love is a decision when we decide for it and connect with that higher state of being aligned with the well-being of all and our own. Love is not, as many people might imagine it to be, an emotion; it is rather a conscious choice, one that may dictate everything from our actions and words all the way to our very thoughts.

The Moment of Reflection

No small or great matter can be decided upon before one freezes and asks oneself the question: "Does this come from Love?" Such a simple question could be an actual filter that will help you see whether or not your choice is in tune with the values of kindness, empathy, and compassion. If your action or decision is motivated by fear, anger, or a need to control, then that's for sure one sign to take another look down the road. In opening up time to pause, the space is also provided to act on more reflective and considerate choices that respect the dignity of all parties involved.

Revisiting Decisions Not from Love

If you look back and realize that your decision isn't based in love, it's time to recalculate. Not necessarily so that you go back and change your decision, but go back and reassess it through the eyes of compassion. How can you readjust what it is that you're doing so it's more allowing, compassionate, and loving? Sometimes this means a complete about-face; sometimes it is only slight adjustment of you and/or an expression of your decision.

The Ripple Effects of Love-Based Decisions

Decisions made out of love reverberate positively well past the immediacy of a situation. Love-based decisions build trust, form deeper connections with others, and build a more harmonious environment. It encourages others to act with similar compassion, building a cycle of goodwill that has the potential to transform communities, and eventually even the world.

Challenges and Growth

To choose to love is never easy. It would always mean taking on our personal biases, fears, and insecurities. It requires patience, courage, and even sacrifice at times. Yet, the rewards of living a life guided by love are immeasurable. As we train ourselves in this approach, we grow in our ability to love more fully and authentically, deepening our relationships and enriching our lives.

Conclusion

Each decision presents an opportunity to choose love. Let this be the rule that governs our lives and, in so doing, builds for us a world in which empathy and not strife, comprehension and not judgment, benevolence and not apathy are the counterbalancing weights. Next time you find yourself at any crossroads, ask yourself if this comes from a place of love. If it does not, revisit the situation anew and recast your actions. Thus, you will be taking care of yourself and taking care of the world in every loving decision made.