The most common problem among people is their lack of self-love, which is a natural consequence of their ego's desire for gratification. Of course, loving oneself in this manner has nothing to do with genuine love; it often arises from the pleasure derived from seeing oneself as more valuable and superior to others. This pleasure is rooted in a sense of inadequacy, where people constantly feel lacking and incomplete, unable to find peace within themselves. Consequently, the desire for gratification arises as a means to conceal these perceived inadequacies, leading the person to derive pleasure from seeing himself in a better condition than others. In doing so, he consoles himself and eliminates reasons for feeling unhappy.
Ask anyone who believes in creation and the Creator, and they'll speak of their love for Him. Yet, this too isn't true love; it's just a word spoken out of fear. It's as if His love for us is contingent upon our love for Him. However, He loves us unconditionally, just as a mother loves her child even if the child doesn't reciprocate that love. The real issue is how we will come to love Him, especially if we can't even love His creations.
If there were no creation, would the Creator be known? Those who fail to admire everything, good or bad, created by Him cannot even speak of love, let alone experience it. Because Love itself is the Creator, and all creation is a manifestation of this Love.
Love destined to certain individuals or things, limiting one's heart from opening to everything, to all existence, is bound to fade one day. This love, stemming from the ego, is limited and illusory. It's a misconception. Individuals love those who satisfy their emotions, saying, "This person gives me pleasure, our chemistry is great, they boost my morale, so I love them." Or, "I love the color of this tree; it's pleasing to me."
When love is confined to individuals or objects, when it's not allowed to flow freely from the heart, it will inevitably encounter problems and eventually cease to exist. Love itself is limitless, infinite, and perfect. We're all channels through which this boundless love flows. If we fail to allow this love to flow limitlessly, if we obstruct it, one day it will create problems for us. Think of turning on a faucet and blocking its mouth; eventually, it bursts. Of course, no one is expected to do this all at once. That's why we must gradually expand our capacity. We first feel love for small things, as much as the capacity of our heart. We start with those closest to us, considering everyone and everything that enters our lives as an opportunity to practice love. Family, friends, partners, children, pets, etc. What matters is not limiting oneself with less. We must strive to expand our capacity so that this flow of love transitions from a cup to a lake, then a river, and finally merges with the ocean.
A true lover sees no fault in anything; they perceive harmony and beauty in everything, both within themselves and in the world around them. They see themselves in everyone they gaze upon, understand how they're all alike, and how everything is in perfect harmony and beauty…
