Live and let love

“Love is a decision, it is a judgment, it is a promise. If love were only a feeling, there would be no basis for the promise to love each other forever. A feeling comes and it may go. How can I judge that it will stay forever, when my act does not involve judgment and decision.” Erich Fromm, The Art of Loving

 

 

I feel rather fortunate to have come across this quote because it does express how I feel. The promise part has always been a very big part for me. 

 

Let’s start today by defining the terms used in this quote. I love going back to the dictionary because I find that sometimes we forget the full meanings of words. Judgement - a decision formed after careful consideration; the ability to make critical distinctions and achieve a balanced viewpoint. This last one really hit home for me, especially the part about achieving a balanced viewpoint. In love, as in other matters, that objectivity helps us make better decisions. Using judgement has little to do with judging others and more to do with evaluating what is before us. Balance is such a big part of life. 

 

When my marriage ended some years ago now, I remembered why I had married the father of my children. I had made a promise. My decision to leave was a long time coming. I let sound judgement balance what I was feeling. Leaving was the most difficult decision but I assure you that love and judgement provided a healthy outcome for all.

 

I know it may seem odd that I speak of the end of my former marriage in relation to this quote on love. To me it seems quite appropriate. Maybe in life if we remember that we love and why we love or loved, as the case may be, all our relations can be experienced as the high art of living they are meant to be.

 

Namaste!

 

Bianca

 

This personal blog was written by Bianca Pittoors. You may “share” it in its entirety. I respectfully request that you respect it as the intellectual property that it is. Thank you!

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