Underestimating the Power of Love

One of my clients is a photographer. She sent me a private message on Twitter that she just had to take some photos, instead of working on the other things on her to-do list.

I saw those photos. A peeler. A grater. Things out of her kitchen drawer, and a white sheet of paper. Ten minutes. Beauty.

I was stunned. I had to ask, "How do you *do* that? Those photos are so enticing and beautiful."

Her answer? "I seriously love the world. I love everything I photograph deeply...even if it's junk...."

Love Is Trite

Love is simply the most discussed, most sung about, most poemed (is that a word?), most cried over, laughed over topic in the world, ever. There is nothing new to say about love. You've heard it so many times, it's easy to dismiss, even if you believe in the power of love.

Yet did you see those photos of hers? The presence of love took the ordinary and made it glow. The next time I go up to my kitchen, you can bet I'll be looking at my peeler differently.

I know I don't have to convince you about the power of love. But I feel I do need to open all of our eyes to remembering the power of it.

Love Needs Context

In my tradition of Sufism, love is talked about needing both an object and a subject. A lover and a beloved. Without a beloved, the one loved, love is not activated, engaged. It does not come alive.

And without a lover, the one who loves, love has nowhere to live.

When we talk about bringing heart into business, we're talking about love. But what we're really talking about is the miraculous, immersive experience that happens between the lover and the beloved, and how that affects everyone around.

If you are bringing love to your business, what is your context? Who is the beloved, who is the lover?

Love is (Often) Hidden

Take a moment right now. Close your eyes. Put your hand over your heart. Allow your lungs to fill with a gentle, full breath. Now, in your heart, ask for love.

Open your eyes. Look at something to do with your business. Keep your eyes open. Put your hand over your heart. Allow your lungs to fill with a gentle, full breath. In your heart, ask to witness love within whatever you are looking at.

Take your time. Sometimes our previous experiences veil the deeper witnessing of love from us. Look at your phone, or your computer, or your desk. Look at a pile of paper you need to clean up. Ask to witness the deeper love in it.

What changes? What becomes possible?

Love Requires You

You may need love, but love also needs you. As Mevlana Jallalu'ddin Rumi wrote, "The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don't go back to sleep."

Be awake to love. Honor the lover and beloved in each context. Look deeper for what is hidden.

My photographer client I mentioned above? She's found a way to help people open their eyes to seeing differently. It costs nothing but your attention. And, in my opinion, it's fantastic.