Unconditional Love

photo: online Unity on the River

If you haven't heard of don Miguel Ruiz and his two sons don Miguel Jr. and don Jose, I urge you to pick up one of their amazing books and start reading immediately! I first read The Four Agreements about 12 years ago and it was perhaps the first new age book that caught my attention. I was fascinated by the simplicity of the agreements and how don Miguel presented the idea that each of us lives in, creates and experiences our own unique reality.

The Four Agreements:

Be impeccable with your word
Don't take anything personally
Don't make assumptions
Always do your best

Simply and profoundly, this book stayed with me and continues to resonate. I'd dreamed of meeting don Miguel one day and I did, right here in New England. As he spoke, his voice was gentle and the words were an extension of his heart. He began the conversation by saying,

"I love you, each and every one of you, unconditionally. And I can say that because that's how I really feel. I really love you." 

WHOA! It seems to me unconditional love is a bit of a ghost in many ways in our society. There often seems to be conditions attached to love which usually look like I love you if you do what I want you to do, agree with what I say and do and act just the way I write your character in my story. Of course, nobody actually lives up to these conditions and this is where disappointment comes in.

I was there in his presence seeking guidance on giving and receiving unconditional love, so I really listened to don Miguel as he spoke, but even moreso, I watched him. I observed the way he remained connected to his authenticity, truth and love as he connected to myself and others with him. When he finished speaking for a while and don Miguel Jose took over, he embraced him and loved poured outward. He sat next to don Jose and held him with don Miguel Jr's head on his shoulder as the younger son spoke. Similar displays and exchanges happened over and over again. 

This massive outpouring of love went on for hours. The love, support, belief in each other and offering of sacred wisdom was unparalleled. I'd never seen anything like this before. It was the most natural and unconditional display of love I could have imagined. The embodiment of love that don Miguel Ruiz holds and shares is truly magnificent.

I am honored to have been in the presence of don Miguel Ruiz and his sons and to have been part of the container that held space for this amazing unconditional love to grow. Unconditional love is the essence of healing.