Love Meditation 

I am not sure if everyone gets what I mean when I say "unconditional love." I’m not sure everyone understands because, frankly, for a long time, I didn’t understand. It is difficult to describe. What in life is unconditional, after all? When is it possible to have unconditional love? Is it even feasible?

It would be simple to believe otherwise as one goes through life. “No. There are always conditions.” It makes sense to conclude that way. How else could it be, after all? There is always someone who wants something. Something that obstructs love and makes a relationship impossible is always a deal-breaker. Cigarettes, perhaps. It can weigh too much or too little. It might be the fourth cat. Or it might be far, far worse.

Yes. Life—this world—has its requirements. That said, there is also a method to experience unconditional love. Discovering Unconditional Love—also known as bliss  In 2015, during the first week of November, I experienced a fantastic moment. Although it had been a while since my last encounter, I had previously had this moment [Note: This experience occurred at the beginning of my spiritual transition, and since then, I have had many such experiences].

"Ecstasy" is the greatest term to describe how I felt. I am not implying that sex or even drugs were used. I am referring to something far higher. It was a mystical encounter. It was an experience that Kabbalah students and Sufis strive for. Religious texts from around the world make reference to it. In Moksha, yogis guarantee it. Perhaps nirvana in Buddhism is where you might discover it. I am referring to an unwavering love experience that happened accidentally while I was meditating.

 My Accidental Love Meditation Process 

I initially considered foster children. As I lay in bed, I considered what it might be like to be rejected or abandoned by a parent. I imagined being moved from one house to another, from a school to a stranger, and back again. I pictured the child's reaction to that. I reflected on my experience growing up with foster siblings. My brother was on my mind. I reflected on the students I had observed going into foster care.

I imagined holding them in my arms and holding them close. "I love you," I said in their ears as I kissed their cheeks and foreheads. You are cherished. You are valuable. You are loved by someone 

Then I pictured homeless people walking down the street while people's eyes slipped over, and ignored them. I considered the indifference and rejection they encounter on a regular basis. "I love you," I whispered in their ears as I put my arms around them. You are cherished. You are on my mind every day.

Then I considered inmates. I considered the wrongfully incarcerated. Their pain hurt my heart, and I wished them luck. I considered rapists, killers, and psychopaths. I witnessed their brokenness. Before they were even born, I witnessed a vicious cycle start. "I am here with you," I murmured, taking their hands and seeing their eyes. We do not forget you. I pardon you. Despite everything, you are adored.

That is when I saw affluent, lost, and furious adolescents who had been damaged and neglected. I said, "I see you," as I took their hands and gazed into their eyes. You are here for a reason. You are important to me.

In my imagination, I saw the planet in agony and put my arms around it. I showered it with love by crying, forgiving, and kissing it. I was overwhelmed by this feeling of energy and empathy and was unable to contain it. It poured out of me into the world, spilling over, overwhelming. I emailed it, giving it as much guidance as I could.

Spreading Light 

I realized then that all that was needed was to spread this energy, or love. There was so much dust everywhere else. I am not sure whether anyone felt a little happier. Was there a sudden feeling of strength or hope? It did something for me, but I am not sure if it did anything for anyone else. Being a part of the human community and sharing and coexisting is what it means to thrive, which is why I write about it. Emotional service is a state of being. The goal of this type of meditation is achievable, even though it cannot be sustained over time.

Although we might not be able to maintain this emotional state indefinitely, we can get quite close. By focusing on promoting more love in all facets of our lives, we can demonstrate love in our everyday deeds. 

Your Love Meditation

You can meditate in a way that is similar to mine and feel that overpowering love. What I suggest is as follows:

 Find a position that feels comfortable. Shut your eyes and inhale deeply a few times. Consider a circumstance or population that is in dire need of love. Watch as your heart blossoms with affection for them. Picture yourself giving them a big embrace.

"I love you," you might say it loud or to yourself. You are cherished. You are valuable. You are loved by someone.

As you are guided, repeat. Imagine your arms by your sides once you are done. Return to the room slowly.

Please be aware that this exercise calls for a great deal of empathy as well as a readiness to let one's heart be open to the whole range of emotions. Because you expose yourself to another person's suffering, this encounter first makes you feel vulnerable. Nevertheless, you neutralize the vulnerability almost instantly by transforming the circumstance with your love and care. Though you should not be shocked if you cry or experience other physical feelings, the activity is completely safe.