Love is a miracle power that can transform you and, in an instant, change your life forever. Although it is often associated with good feelings, it certainly is not that alone. Love is a mighty cosmic energy – the creative energy of the universe contained within everyone. God is love, and love is spiritual energy. Love is infinite. It works for you, and it is powerful! You have the choice to use it or not; the better choice is to use it.

   You have the opportunity to send out your love force every day. While letters, calls, flowers and gifts are all very nice, sending love directly from your heart generates a vibration that can be directed to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Consciously directing love to people who routinely show up in your life – store clerks, delivery people, friends, neighbors or even those you do not like – changes the world, benefiting the sender the most. You will feel more energy when you direct love energy.

  The universal symbol for love is the heart because our heart is where we feel both the emotion of love and the presence of the Divine. Our heart is also our highest intelligence. It guides us to our highest good and to our best choices. It conspires to make our life great! Some recent research, such as that done by Dr. Deepak Chopra, shows that the heart also thinks, remembers, keeps us healthy and communicates with the hearts of others. In today's world, we have been taught to listen to our logical brain in order to avoid making mistakes, but the truth is that love from the heart has all the answers.

  If you think the concept of love sounds good, but you don't know how to begin, here are some ideas. Never spending time with your heart can leave you feeling lonesome, unfulfilled and even unloved. Instead, listen to your heart (and to love). Come into the silence. Get away from other people, outer noises and disturbances, tasks and responsibilities. Find the silent, sacred space of love and the Divine Presence by simply setting your intention as “wanting to experience love.” Ask questions of your heart and give it time to share its wisdom. The head will want to get in the way; you may find yourself being distracted from time to time, but gently pull yourself back; give the heart time to dwell in the silence, and love will have its way. Learn to trust your heart by listening and focusing on it. This may prove easier than you think; the key is the setting of your intention. When your energy centers in the heart, you begin to think, speak and act from a place of love.

  Scripture says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It is impossible to truly love others if you do not first love yourself. Often this is difficult to do. Perhaps you have unhealed emotions from the past or an unbalanced, outward focus. These may result in an insufficient amount of self-love that leaves you feeling burned out. Sending love to yourself nourishes you and prepares you to share that love with others.

  Begin to love yourself by accepting who you are and spending time with yourself. Take the time to feel the love within you. Find the silence. Notice the energies of your heart and remember the importance of your heart power. Sincerely send love to yourself, your family, friends, co-workers and others, even those whom you do not really like. Use your power of imagination to send love. You will feel fulfilled when you do this.

  When you love and accept yourself first, you are free to love others. Then you have found true freedom! If you need help learning to love yourself, there are many books, workshops, coaches and therapists who can help. Love of self paves the way for you to accept others regardless of age, race, religion, culture, gender or sexual orientation. And this acceptance removes all burdens of judgment and fear.

  Stretching your heart beyond its learned emotional boundaries will transform you. Love is all there really is, so begin today to love in a whole new way!

Barbara Hribar is a Licensed Unity Teacher and Spiritual Leader of Unity of Medina ~ One in Spirit. She was formerly an English teacher and has been a Certified Herbalist for over 20 years. Barbara is also available for weddings, memorial services and spiritual counseling. For more information about Unity of Medina ~ One in Spirit, and for a schedule of services for adults and spiritual programs for children and teens, please visit www.unityoneinspirit.com or call (330) 764-7999.

Illustration by xrento.