So, you want love?

Sqrlly my sweet!

This subject is very near and dear to my heart (imagine that being the organ involved). I have known the pain and the joy of loving and being loved. Where romantic love has been involved I know that for so many years I wasn't truly loving someone, I was taking them hostage to fill a void. I gave to them ONLY because I hoped that they could be the love that I didn't know how to give to myself. (geez did that make any sense? - it just flew outta my head through my fingers) I have more things flying around in my little kitty head but I can't quite get them structured yet to go in a post...more to come...

Love ya lots,
Pam

this is a great thread....i've known love and given love and miss having the "romantic" love that i've had in the past. BUT, my love for my children and grandchildren seem to be keeping me real right now. and i still don't know which came first, the chicken or the egg!!

Well, Paaat. when it comes to children and grandchildren, the egg comes first. Eggs and sperm actually...no chickens are involved at all. Do I need to explain further hon?

emmy

thank god for tofu butts that keep me straight on the more important questions in life....

Those are beautiful observations Grace, Thank you.

Tooter that was brilliant, and not only makes sense, but is the quintessential example of what we all do when longing masquerades as love inside of us. The two different activities move in opposite directions and are a mess when mistaken for eachother. lol Yes?

You said it so well Tooter. I'd like to set your post on fire on the page so everyone will read it. No one can read what you said and not see themselves at some point in their life. Some who read it will see themselves for the first time in that same predicament. You described it in such pure honesty, everyone will know what you meant, and know it in themselves too. Thank you so much for that brave post.

ROTFL

Emmy, yer a treasure. tc

Well said Fay, and there you have love and longing in peaceful coexistence. Neither mistaken for the other. It's the reality for most of us that both activities occur in different areas. We are complex beings, aren't we?

Thanks for your thoughtful post.

From my one of favorite one "L" lamas:

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Ten Principles of Sacred Relationships

By Lama Surya Das

Here are practices or exercises we can cultivate to attract the relationship you're longing for.

1. Unselfishness and selflessness--Consciously put your loved one at the center of your heart and cultivate awareness of his/her needs. But don't go overboard; remember to also take care of yourself.

2. Generosity--Give of yourself, sharing time, things, and emotions.

3. Acceptance--Commit yourself to patience, forbearance, tolerance, and accepting your mate not as a fantasy object--but a real person.

4. Respect--Your mate is a gateway to God and so deserves your respect, trust and support.

5. Honesty--the hard work of communication, revealing yourself, truth-telling, listening (these are big practices)--all lead to authenticity.

6. Empathy--Genuine love involves working hard to understand, and share, the feelings of your loved one. And to offer compassion and caring even for feelings you don't "get."

7. Play--Don't take your love or yourself so seriously. Remember to leave room for fun, whimsy, joy and meaninglessness too.

8. Passion--True passion is not the romantic fascination we associate with teenage crushes; it's a deep wonderment and interest in the other.

9. Mystery--Being open to not knowing, to not having it all worked out, to the discovery of being together.

10. Mission--Strengthen your bond by having some shared "mission," purpose, direction.


</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">
From http://www.beliefnet.com/story/121/s...30_1.html#cont

(((((((((Emmy))))))))))

Thank you for posting that....this is what I needed to read this morning.

xoxo

Those are wonderful Emmy, thanks.

thank you emmy.......(errr,tofu butt)