The Three Faces of Love
- Philia – the love between friends. Even here, we can get hurt when friendships falter.
- Eros – the intense, passionate love. Here, we are most vulnerable, both physically and emotionally, and our hearts risk weeping from burns.
- Agape – spiritual love, where we open the deepest rooms of our inner selves. Unfortunately, even on this vulnerable plane, it’s not uncommon to feel battered.
The Pure Flame Heals
The flame of true love doesn’t harm. It brings light, warmth, and peace. It can take the form of friendship, passion, spirituality, or simply a wave of well-being. It is through this flame that we heal from the burns of the past. It’s paradoxical, isn’t it? What hurts us is also what can heal us.
Dip Your Toes In
I know it can feel difficult to approach love again. But start where it feels least threatening. Dip your toes into the sea of love—perhaps through a safe friendship, by letting a new friend in, or by exploring a new dimension of yourself. When you realize nothing bad happens, you may dare to go further, until you’re joyfully splashing around—completely immersed in love.
Don’t let bad experiences hold you back. The flame of love exists in so many forms. Don’t limit yourself with narrow ideas about what love must be. Dare to open your heart.
Have a brilliant day!
Ulf Lidman
