Fatefully for our chances of happiness, in the Romantic ideology, love is understood to be an enthusiasm, rather than what it really is: a skill that needs to be learnt.

-Alain de Botton

There is some kind of wisdom in this quote by philosopher Alain de Botton.

So much of what we understand as love has been dictated to us from a young age through the filters of society and culture and what we experienced as kids in (or out of) the arms of our closest caretakers.

And so what we learn about love and it’s expression gets transcribed into so many often indecipherable languages – from gestures of affection that feel like the opposite (pigtail tugs…ouch!) and other contradictory behaviours (ever been ghosted by someone so into you they got spooked and vanished?

Or snap at your lover with a tone of voice you’d dare not use on a stranger?).

Love can end up feeling like something quite perplexing indeed.

We know that love in its purest form does not have to be learned, contrary to Alain’s truth.

It’s expression, yes.

But Love’s essence is experienced. Not learned.

Every day is full of love

Waiting there for us

When we remember turn towards it

Open up to it

And share it with another

Move through these questions to cultivate more love in your life :

When have you felt love the most (amplify these in your life)

When have you felt love the least (decrease this in your life)
What helps you/ what do you need to know to be true to open your heart to love (considering the above answers)

I see you, gorgeous soul.

Tripping alongside me with intention that determines everything

Dancing along with determination to be love, to know it, to live it – and share it

Laughing at the beauty of the journey

When we remember it is so.