One Apple A Day #614 - love the world
"We live in this world when we love it." - Rabindranath Tagore
I read this quote a few days ago.
I read many quotes every day. Our digital spaces are flooded by aphorisms and quotes. Unfortunately too often they are wrongly attributed when not fabricated.
But this one got my attention because lately, I've been often engaged in conversation about "how things are in the world, how they should be and what can we do to change it".
I'll be honest, it's a conversation that makes me a bit uncomfortable.
In part, because it can quickly become judgmental.
"Society is broken, but the majority can't see it."
In part, because it can easily trigger anger and bitterness.
But mainly because I struggle to have clarity about how to improve myself, imagine the world.
So, when that quote captured my attention, I asked myself some new questions: what would I do with someone I love? Would I try to change them? Or would I try to love them as they are? And what about someone who loves me, what would I desire for them to do?
I'm still reflecting upon those questions. My heart says that I would do my best to love them as they are, and show up every day living in my full potential. So I can hold a safe and sacred space for them to shine. And change, if that's what they need to do.
My mind, as usual, is a bit more confused.
By the way, when I found that quote for the first time, it was misattributed to Gibran. In my search to find the real author who channelled those words into the world, I also found another quote that will contribute to my reflections.
"Love the whole world as if it were your self; then you will truly care for all things." - Lao Tzu
P.S. The opening image is a photo of the Earth from the space taken during the Apollo 15 mission. I find it irresistible. How can you not love it?