Modern love

[vaneramos]

Brenna's hands

~~~~~~~~~~

We describe love in many ways. The first thing that comes to mind when we hear it in a song is the most superficial kind of all: infatuation. Western society idolizes romantic love, but this thing is often characterized by jealousy, possessiveness, irrational behaviour, loss of individuality and a breakdown of personal boundaries. Many people in love believe they cannot survive without the other.

In the New Testament, three different Greek words are translated as love. Eros is erotic love. Filios is the love one holds for a friend. Agape is the unconditional love we are called to demonstrate toward all others; it was translated as charity in the King James Version.

The texts treated erotic love as sinful. But it is a natural function, and should not be denigrated. It ought to be given its place and guided by principles of self-worth and respect.

Now our songs and lifestyles exalt it. But all too often we stop looking out for one another's best interests, as in agape.

I have learned from polyamory that I don't possess my lover. Our commitment is guided by hope rather than certainty. Our relationship will last as long as it builds us both up.

~~~~~~~~~~

Two more photos from the beach are posted in texture:

1. Surface texture of a driftwood stump.


2. A pattern left in the sand, presumably by water dripping from melting ice.
   

Comments

[vaysha.livejournal.com]

hello beauty.
:)

thank you for these beautiful images and thoughts.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I had no words to respond to your post yesterday, but was moved.

[dakoopst.livejournal.com]

Love in all its forms is as sacred a thing as this world sees.

Wonderful pictures as usual, my friend. :)

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing those thoughts. I have been thinking a lot about the nature of love--the deepening love I feel for C, and the new love I'm experiencing for a new friend.

I feel very fortunate to have come to terms myself with the polyamorous way of loving, so that I can share the love I have more freely. For me, concern for both my lover's and my own welfare have to be part of a true love relationship.

hugs, Shimmer

[vaysha.livejournal.com]

tis okay. sometimes there are no words. I'm just happy to know you- it's a transitional time and those are always fraught with growing pains, no? It's hard to see the wonder and growth sometimes until we come out the other side.
thank you Van.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It's such a simple thing you said, but it gave me much to think about, Stephen. Thank you.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I am fortunate, too. Thanks for sharing so much of your story with me, Shimmer. It has reinforced my own.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

To Gandhi's words I would respond with, "Be the love you want in this world." I've said this to you before, and I'm not always good at practicing it myself, but I'll say it again anyway. Look for that lover deep inside your own soul.

I used to long for a knight in shining armour to come and sweep me off my feet. Someone who would make my life complete. Several years ago it occurred to me I must be the one who will love myself that way. As long as I feel incomplete my love would be broken.

About the time I met Danny, my inner knight started to wake up. I'm not trying to paint myself as a hero. It was only a subtle inner shift. I started letting go of expecting so much from others, and started trusting myself to let it flow outward. We don't need to be in traditional kinds of relationships to do this.

Man, I am still broken. And far from being the perfect lover I wanted. But life (and love) is that kind of a journey.

I'm sorry you lost some friends today. I'm not proud to admit it, but when people rant I tend to start scrolling. Dad used to use our dinner table as his personal soapbox. Consequently I took no interest in politics until well into my 20s, and I'm still highly cynical about it. However I do admire your activism, and am moved by it. I'm happy to offer a quiet place to turn whenever you need it.

[willowing.livejournal.com]

what an excellent shadow picture!

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

so much beauty
really moving
be well
munkey

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I had a good accomplice.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

cheers
overflowing
van