Enact Love

Here is another excerpt from my forthcoming book, 21 Steps to Better Relationships, set for release August, 15, 2012. Find it at 21stepstorelationships.com. Enjoy!

Step 21: Enact Love

To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act
is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.
Mahatma Gandhi

Love in action is the highest form of love. If you’ve heard the phrase “Actions speak louder than words,” then you know the important role that action takes. Thinking loving thoughts is a great start; feeling love in your heart is even better; speaking and acting out of love is as good as it gets.

Love in action takes many forms. The gift of your time and attention is love in action. Showing your interest is love in action. Listening with an understanding heart is love in action. Telling someone how much they mean to you is love in action. Standing by someone when times are tough is love in action. When you demonstrate love in action, you seek the best in all situations; you encourage and support others unconditionally.

Love in action provides mutual benefits—both the giver and receiver benefit by the joy that love produces. When we act from love, we reconnect with the love in ourselves, and this keeps our frequency in alignment with a state of peace and joy. When love comes first, actions will follow.

Activation of the love within you creates loving attitudes, actions, and words.

One year at the Special Olympics, nine contestants assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with the goal to run the race, finish, and win. All, that is, except one boy who stumbled a couple of times, fell, and began to cry. The other eight runners heard the boy cry, slowed down, and paused. Then they all turned around and went back—every one of them. One girl with Down Syndrome bent down, kissed him on the head, and said, “This will make it better.” Then two of them helped him up, all nine linked arms, and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood and cheered for ten minutes.

Questions:

·    How are you thinking, acting, and speaking in loving ways in your relationships?

·    What might be some ways you can increase loving thoughts, actions, and words to bring more balance and harmony in your relationships?

Call to Action: Act Up

Take time this week to send someone you love a card, email, or text message, or pick up the phone and tell them how important they are to you. If you’re comfortable telling them you love them, then go ahead. Otherwise, think loving thoughts and speak loving words—choose words that uplift and encourage. Feel how much love is a part of your relationships and the important role it plays in keeping those connections strong.

Namaste,

The Ambassador of Goodwill