Love is Not a Four-Letter Word!
The primary tenet of a Culture of Gentleness is that we all have an inherent need to be unconditionally loved and valued. Love is a highly pleasurable feeling that gives our lives meaning. When our hearts are full, we feel as though any possibility exists and that we can indeed accomplish anything. The heart knows nothing of boundaries, separation or judgment. Its sole purpose is to remain open so that we can connect with others.
Yet many of us still struggle at times to say “I love you” to those we care about. Love is not a 4 letter word and we can be inspired to use it freely when we understand its power for foster and deepen relationship. To work with unconditional love and value as our primary focus is a radical act that requires bravery and commitment. It asks all involved to risk being vulnerable, to face our fears and biases about love and to approach our work from a heart-centered place.
It is a juicy conversation that explores our own values and experiences of love and relationship and digs a little deeper into the question “How might I work authentically from a loving place?”
Bibliography
- What Ever Arises- Love That by Matt Khan
- Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
- Buddha Doodles by Molly Kahn
- The Way Under the Way by Mark Nepo
Articles
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
A longitudinal study of the untrue of Companionate Love and Employee and Client Outcomes in a Long-term Care Setting.- by Segal G Barsade and Olivia A. O’Neil
Videos
Links
- Brene Brown: brenebrown.com
- Kristen Tippet: On Being