Lovers Love

       As I think about paths to love, what first comes to mind is that familiar experience where we feel moved by the beauty of the beloved and a tender glow naturally flows.  We experience love in these moments as a spontaneous, effortless reaction to the lovability of someone out there.  I enjoy this path.  It appeals to the romantic in me, the sensitive guy who tears up at movies.

       Another approach to love starts, not so much with lovability out there, but "love-ability" in here.  We connect with the inner lover and make a conscious decision to engage life from that presence.  Deliberately exercising our love-muscles, we cultivate habits of love – seeing with intimate eyes, responding with tenderness and care to ourselves, to our beloved, and to all beings. 

       This path is a doing of love that springs from a being of love.  Sometimes, this doing is energized by feelings of love.  Often, doing love leads to the feeling of love.  And, occasionally, following this path is like an exhausted warrior quietly, without reward, doing her duty.

       Feelings of love, like all feelings, come and go.  Sometimes silent, sometimes vibrant, the inner lover is always there.

       Writers write, even when they don't feel like it. 

       Lovers love.