September 20, 2025- Practicing love

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. 

~Lao Tzu

We thrive on connection. When we feel loved, we feel valued. That can help root us, to provide a foundation that is solid, that we can confidently build upon.

When we extend our own love, we lean into the vulnerability of doing so. We accept the risks of opening our hearts. This act helps us practice and cultivate courage.

What if we could accomplish both of these things in a single act? What if we could gain the strength of being loved and the confidence of loving, all in a single, profound relationship? What if we created that kind of beautiful relationship with ourselves?

The acts of being loved and of loving can be accomplished within each of us. Do we have the strength to love ourselves unconditionally? Do we have the courage to be loved, despite our flaws? Can we be as intentional about care and affection within us as we might be with another?

If we want to love better – both in the giving, and in the receiving, we must practice. We have endless opportunities to practice deep, unconditional love with ourselves. In that practice, we will cultivate strength and courage.