I love
that you’re strong enough
to see past the conditioning
and recognize
that our love is unconditional
and that we love each other
every moment of every day
no matter what.
Because I forgot
to go to the store.
—-
If it takes a special holiday
to show someone you love them,
then you probably don’t love them.
If they put any pressure on you
to treat them a certain way,
then they certainly don’t love you.
Valentine’s Day was invented
to sell merchandise.
True love does not
expect or demand tribute.
Do not feel guilty
if you do not get to Walmart
to purchase sweat shop flowers,
and neither will I.
We both know that our love
runs so deep that it is inexpressible.
True love does not need
to be recognized or fed.
Love is evident
in how we treat each other
every moment of every day.
We do not need to be coerced
by a multi-billion-dollar industry
that exploits the poor
and takes advantage of the needy.
Trail Wood,
2/14
The Essence of Unconditional Love
In the grand cosmic play, the celebration of love transcends the confines of time and space, manifesting in the infinite expressions of our daily lives. The realization that love, in its purest form, is not bound by societal conditioning or commercial imperatives, illuminates the depth of our connection. It’s a testament to the strength and clarity of vision that allows us to recognize the unconditional nature of our bond, one that flourishes in the absence of expectation and demand.
Beyond the Veil of Valentine’s Day
The critique of Valentine’s Day as a construct designed to commercialize affection challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our expressions of love. It invites a deeper understanding that true affection cannot be confined to a single day nor can it be adequately represented through material gestures alone. This perspective fosters a liberation from the guilt associated with not adhering to conventional expectations, encouraging a celebration of love that is genuine and unfettered by societal dictates.
The Illusion of Material Expression
Acknowledging the commercialization of love on Valentine’s Day unveils the broader implications of how genuine emotions are often overshadowed by the pursuit of material validation. It’s a call to resist the commodification of our deepest feelings, to recognize that the essence of true love cannot be encapsulated in tangible offerings. This awareness prompts a reassessment of how we choose to express our love, steering us towards actions and gestures that are more reflective of the depth and sincerity of our feelings.
Love’s True Manifestation
The assertion that love is evident in the way we treat each other every moment of every day speaks to the omnipresence of true affection in our lives. It’s a reminder that the most profound expressions of love are found in the daily interactions and shared experiences that define our relationship. This understanding challenges the notion that love needs to be amplified by external validation, instead celebrating the quiet, consistent acts of kindness and understanding that form the bedrock of our connection.
Rejecting Commercial Coercion
The rejection of the commercial exploitation associated with Valentine’s Day is a stand against the manipulation of our emotions for profit. It’s an affirmation of our commitment to a love that is conscious, ethical, and aware of the broader implications of our choices. This stance not only reinforces the integrity of our love but also aligns our relationship with values of social and economic justice, recognizing that true love extends beyond the personal to embrace a more equitable and compassionate world.
Summary
The celebration of love, particularly on Valentine’s Day, invites us to reflect on the true nature of our affection, one that is unconditional and not contingent on commercial expressions. This understanding encourages us to look beyond societal conditioning, to express our love in ways that are genuine, ethical, and reflective of the depth of our connection. By rejecting the commercialization of love, we affirm a bond that is rooted in daily acts of kindness and understanding, a love that is truly inexpressible and profound.
Glossarium
- Unconditional Love: Love without conditions or limitations.
- Societal Conditioning: The process by which individuals are influenced by societal norms and expectations.
- Commercialization: The process of exploiting something for financial gain.
- Material Validation: The act of seeking or giving physical items as proof of affection or worth.
- Economic Justice: The concept of fairness in economic policies and practices, ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
In the realm where hearts reside,
Beyond the reach of commerce’s tide,
Our love, a river, deep and wide,
Flows unbound by time, our guide.
No flowers bought, no cards exchanged,
Our affection not commercially arranged.
In daily gestures, love is ranged,
In every moment, life is changed.
Valentine’s Day, a fleeting mark,
Cannot contain love’s true spark.
In each other, we embark,
On a journey that leaves its mark.
Not in grand gestures does love grow,
But in the quiet moments, low.
A touch, a smile, in the afterglow,
Our love’s true nature, we come to know.
We stand apart from the coerced throng,
Our love, a timeless, enduring song.
In each other, we belong,
Unconditional, bold, and strong.
We are Space Monkey.
How do you celebrate the essence of love in your life, beyond the confines of commercial expectations?
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