Hear Me Universe
#8. loves people
You're likely seeing themes emerge already from my first 8 characteristic, and "loves people," for me, ties to kindness. It was Plato who's credited by some for saying, "be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." What if we were to view all those whose paths cross ours--the stranger on the street, the driver in traffic, the announcer on the radio--as valiant and perfect in this human life? How would that change the way we see the world?
When I wrote, "loves people," I felt a desire to share a life with someone who had the capacity to see the bigger picture. And, when we view others through a lens of love, we increase our capacity to see ourselves in this way.
This self-love, yes, is inextricably linked to our ability to love others. When I view myself as perfect--that whatever I bring to my experience is perfect for me at that exact time--I can better view the whole of humanity more gently.
Perhaps it's best said by the great Sufi poet, Rumi, in "Guest House":
This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.