I must have been two or three years old, at the time when my parents moved us to a house in the countryside. They were hoping to avoid the upsets of ‘city life’, and, to provide us with the best upbringing imaginable.

And, oh my goodness – they worked so very hard for it.

My father worked grueling shifts at the factory downtime; while, my dearest mother maintained a loving home and her day job.

And, never once in all that time did I ever hear them complain.

It wasn’t until I was much older that I finally realized the depth of their sacrifice. That which I assumed to be second nature, was in fact a testimony to their unwavering devotion. No matter what was happening in the world that day – whether war, or strife, or the threat of disaster – there was always safe refuge within these ‘four walls.’

I don’t know how they did it, really. To save us from the true hazards of life, while still offering us ample room to grow.

It was a balancing act of magnificent proportions. But, that’s the thing now, isn’t it? We never really understanding the meaning of unconditional love, until we actually experience it.

And, though we know it when we feel it – there is always some aspect of thinking mind that wishes to deny it.

“This fire that we call Loving is too strong for human minds. But just right for human souls.” ― Aberjhani

My darlings, just as blood courses through to nourish the heart, so too, does love nourish our soul. With gentle flowing our edges are softened, and each of our wounds is filled.

Just as the Buddha once said, “with dripping drops of water, the jug is filled.” Every instance of tenderness and warmth, every moment when our hearts are shattered and pieced back together again…within each, there is room for love to become our practice, once again.

Perhaps, this is the basis for our balance? That we might learn to love, while never once cutting off the flow?