Spread the LOVE
Posted on February 07 2022
Love is a very important word in our everyday lives.
The Greeks had six words for love, for six different varieties of love…Eros (passion), Philia (deep, complex), Ludus (playful affection), Agape (selfless, love for everyone), Pragma (longstanding, devoted), and Philautia (love of the self).
According to Philosopher, Roman Krznaric, “The message from the Greeks is to nurture the varieties of love and tap into its many sources. Don’t just seek eros, but cultivate philia by spending more time with old friends, or develop ludus by dancing the night away, revive our Agape in order to care more about strangers, develop the version of Philautia or self-love which enhances your wider capacity to love…the idea was that if you like yourself and feel secure in yourself, you will have plenty of love to give others (as is reflected in the Buddhist-inspired concept of “self-compassion”). Or, as Aristotle put it, “All friendly feelings for others are an extension of a [person’s] man’s feelings for himself.”
Love Your Planet
There are so many ways you can express how much you love your planet and people. In our previous journals, Recycling, Donating, Repurposing are some important ways to express your love for the planet and people. Sorting your plastic and paper waste for recycling, donating or re-purposing gently worn clothing and textiles, and giving materials a new life significantly reduces landfill waste. In addition this also reduces carbon emissions from the manufacture of new products.
Making wise and informed purchasing choices is another way to show your love for the planet and people. Choose not to purchase items made from single use plastic and synthetic materials; instead, minimize the quantity of items you purchase.
Love Your Community
Participating in your community’s social and environmental action programs are key to helping build a loving and caring community. These activities include volunteering to plant trees, cleaning up trash, donating meals to the elderly and those with food insecurity, and planning a clothing drive to donate new and gently worn clothing to those in need - all acts of loving kindness for people and the planet.
Love Yourself
Love and be kind to your body. Consume foods with nutritious ingredients and avoid processed food and additives. Exercise as often as possible because it is healthy for your body, your heart and your mind. Yoga and meditation help improve balance and strength, and have a positive impact both physically and mentally. Purchase and wear sustainable and ethical clothing which makes you look and feel great, showing self-love as well as love for the planet and people.
Understanding and expressing all of the varieties of love in our daily lives is beneficial to both ourselves and our world. Here’s to LOVE!
