How not to let Love & Desire end up in Greed & Anger?
LS202308-01Finding balance in love and desire through the lessons of a mother's unconditional love
“Love is the desire to give, not to receive, something. Love is the art of producing something with the other’s talents.” — Bertolt Brecht
Love is a universal desire, a force that can either enrich our lives or spiral into greed and anger. To explore this, let's contrast a mother's unconditional love for her child with the jealous fits that can plague couples.
Unconditional Love: A Mother's Endless Affection
A mother's love for her child is often seen as the epitome of love's purity, transcending boundaries and expectations. It's a love that knows no conditions, no end, and it embodies the very essence of what makes life worthwhile:
Selflessness - A mother's love is rooted in selflessness. She gives unconditionally, without seeking anything in return, illustrating that the act of loving is rewarding in itself.
Patience - Mothers display boundless patience, understanding that their child's growth takes time. They guide the child through challenges and setbacks without letting anger cloud their love. They patiently nurture their child when they make mistakes, allowing them to grow into confident individuals at their own pace.
Empathy - Through empathy, mothers connect deeply with their child's needs and emotions. They offer love and support without expecting reciprocation, reinforcing that love is about giving.
Jealousy in Couples: The Pitfall of Unchecked Desire
In romantic relationships, love and desire are intertwined. However, when desire becomes unchecked, it can transform into greed and anger, overshadowing the joy of love:
Desire Turned Greed - When one partner becomes overly possessive or demands constant attention, it reflects a desire turned into greed. They yearn to possess the other entirely, which can lead to resentment.
Anger Erupts - Unbridled jealousy often sparks anger, causing harm to the relationship. Angry outbursts erode the love that once connected the couple together.
To avoid allowing love and desire to morph into greed and anger, we can learn lessons from the unconditional love of a mother:
Practice Selflessness - In life and our relationships, our focus should be on giving without expectations. Our capacity to love others does not depend on whether the love is reciprocated, rather the act of love itself is rewarding (loving others makes us happier too).
Cultivate Patience - Embrace patience when our partners err or when we must spend time apart. Patience keeps anger away, and absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Empathy Matters - Seek to understand our partners' needs and emotions deeply. By empathizing, we strengthen love and prevent the encroachment of greed.
Ultimately, love is the driving force behind a meaningful life, a sentiment shared by all. By practicing selflessness, patience, and empathy, we can ensure that our love remains pure and untarnished by greed and anger. In embracing these qualities, we affirm that love is not just something we desire, but it is what truly makes life worth living.
WiseMind
