Un-Conditional Love
One of the main concepts in the subject of intimacy is the expression of unconditional love between sentient beings. Our survival instincts encourage us to look at the world as if we were the focal point, as if our needs were the most important. In interactions between individuals this view does not serve the interaction.
When we passionately or compassionately touch another sentient being with thoughts of our own pleasure or with the intent of meeting our own needs, this touch is conditional.
Love is an embracing, a total acceptance. As such it is a stillness, an allowing. If love has any conditions, or any motive, it is not still as it is a movement toward something or away from something. This movement is usually toward what is considered desirable and away from what is considered undesirable.
Conditions placed on love and affection include beauty, intelligence, worthiness, and a host of other factors that have absolutely nothing to do with love.
The ulterior motives that are behind many of our actions tend to isolate us from our loved ones, indeed from the fulfillment of life in the present moment. The conditions we place on our relationships and the subtle forms of coercion that we use in acquisitiveness create stress and strain in those relationships. The result is a lack of true intimacy and the freedom of expression toward and enjoyment of our intellectual, business, social, and sexual relationships.
Not expecting return from offered favor or attention.
Not loving one person and hating another.
Not conditional on behavior, appearance, philosophy, belief, or any other factor.
