Unconditional Love – Day 914

“I love you, Mommy” – Photo: L. Weikel

Unconditional Love

It’s really easy to slip into the habit of taking people, things, and circumstances in our lives for granted. In my experience, it seems that those we’re most likely to take for granted are the ones who love us unconditionally. And when we speak of unconditional love, I wonder just how many of us live it and feel it – either extending it to others or having it extended toward us. Whether giving it or receiving it, I suspect that, for most of us, love with no strings attached is as precious as hen’s teeth.

I’m not waxing on about unconditional love based on some romantic notion. And I guarantee I’m not raising it in commentary on the current escalation of deeply troubling geopolitical circumstances.

No, I’m feeling pretty basic and simplistic this evening. As I mentioned in last night’s post, I’m trying to keep things light. I’m not looking much past my very own nose for subject matter at the moment. It feels like our lives are booby trapped with potentially incendiary topics at every turn.

Where does a person turn for respite in such circumstances?

Creatures

If we’re lucky and seeking a place of solace or a taste of that elusive sense that we’re loved without a single ounce of hesitancy, we need only look into the eyes of our pets. And yes, I’m using the generic word ‘pets’ as opposed to either dog or cat because, quite honestly, I’ve seen such extraordinary love in both species. Cats may be aloof, but they know how to love (even if we might suspect otherwise).

And dogs?

All I can say is, the eyes have it.

I dare anyone to look into that face and tell me Spartacus doesn’t love me unconditionally. And yes, I’ve included photos of our cats as well, photos that capture a connection that feels even greater than a simple ‘heart’ (or, cynically, ‘tummy’) connection: a soul connection. To my mind, that is unconditional love.

I truly believe that our familiars have the capacity to love us unconditionally. And when they do, they model for us the highest expression of loving another. It’s love with no strings. I joke that Spartacus only loves me for the treats I dispense, but in my heart, I know that’s not true. He loves me to my core. He loves me for my core.

It makes me wonder sometimes. How do people survive this often terribly harsh life without sharing their lives with these beings? I swear, sometimes the belief I see in their eyes – the forgiveness, the devotion –  remind me of how I want to look at other people. And maybe even myself sometimes.

Why do so many of us find that so hard?

(T-197)