We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spirtiual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness, and affection. Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can be cultivated between two people only when it exists within each one of them-we can love others only as much as we love ourselves. Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the witholding of affetion damage the roots from which love grows. Love can survive these injuries only if they're acknowledged, healted, and rare.

• Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart p. 187

Barabara Fredrickson the preoccupying and strong desire for further connection, the powerful bonds people hold with a select few and the intimacy that grows between them, the commitments to loyalty and faithfulness.

Love eprmeates everyday interactions with others, forming the emtional context from which to strengthen relationships.

Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart p. 184

The Heart is Open