the search for Unconditional love

Is there such a thing as unconditional love or is it some elusive dream one can only hope for? How much of what we experience as love is transaction based? “I will love you under these conditions.” Even traditional marriage vows are couched with “In sickness and in health” and “For richer or poorer.” Rarely, if ever, do we hear, “I will love you for just being you. I will forever see the beauty in you. I love you for who you are, not for what you do.” Imagine arriving on the planet with these words to greet us knowing that they will be forever true. Our lives begin as a tabula rasa, a clean slate, waiting to be written upon by those around us. This is when behaviors such as people pleasing start to take root. If only I can act in such a way as to please you will I be worthy of your love. In doing so we relinquish unconditional love for ourselves. Where do we learn how to love unconditionally? Look to our pets. They have a great capacity for unconditional love. They live in the moment accepting who you are offering their willingness to be there for you. They are natural empaths reading whatever situation you are in at that moment. They remind us that they love us for who we are and are incredible at forgiving. What lessons can you learn from the pets in your life?

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