Life is a gift that is renewed every morning. Whenever you open your eyes to a new day, thoughts are presented to you. They give you reasons to love or dislike. In addition, the memory of the people in your life emerges in your thoughts as well as reasons to be angry, full of gratitude or regrets. So, the circumstances of your existence lead you to choose the thoughts you want to feed.
As Gandhi said and I paraphrase:
Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Pay attention to the words you choose because they translate into actions. These become habits that shape your character. Finally, your character determines your destiny.
On Saturday, May 13, 2017, a number of people woke up with the intent to love. They gathered to write thirty love letters. Some of the authors of these letters have also chosen to consent to having their letter published in the 150 Love Letters e-book. It will be published by Celah Creations in honor Canada’s sesquicentennial. These men and women are from all layers of society and from diverse cultural backgrounds. What these people have in common is the ability to love and to want to say it. They came together to express their feelings and gratitude for loved ones in writing. They chose to intentionally write to those they cherish dearly and tell them quite simply: “I love you.”
By participating in this activity and exchanging with the authors of love letters, I remembered the vision I had had a few months earlier. There were people sitting at tables writing in an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. This vision carried me until the time of its realization, on May 13, 2017. As I listened to what these authors shared about what they felt as they were writing, I learned three things that will stay with me forever.
Living with intent
First of all, these people know how to live intentionally. They are aware of the impact of their existence and have the courage to love and to say it. The Bible encourages us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and to do good around us. As you may already know, we are passing on Earth and we don’t know in advance when we will see someone alive. In fact, every interaction we have with others could very well be the last. Should we never see them alive again, what memories would we keep of our last conversation?
Quietude can be cultivated and shared
Then I tasted tranquility with other people. Their intention to love in writing was stronger that any potential distractions. For example, one of the participants, Serge Cham, had even postponed his trip to take the time to write a love letter to his wife. He is the author of several books, including Comment être heureux en amour (http://www.archambault.ca/comment-etre-heureux-en-amour-JLI17009546-fr-pr). I intend to read it. The authors of the letters written on May 13 have transmitted their peaceful spirit to others and the room in which we were became an oasis of peace and tranquility. It was the ideal environment to talk – write – about love.
Only love matters
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Nothing is more valuable than the love we can feel for another person, whoever s/he is. This ability to place human beings above all is a gift and a habit to cultivate. As we love, we improve our ability to love one another, and truly demonstrate who we are. We are all of the human race, connected to each other and destined to live temporarily. So, the only thing we owe to one another is to love. Nothing is more important than love.
Finally, the vision I initially had materialised. I dreamed, then planned, then accomplished. I felt blessed to have been able to participate in the experience of those who came to spend a few hours with me on Saturday, May 13. I cherish them in my heart and I know that our paths will cross again during moments of tranquillity, serenity and love sharing.
So, to all the love letters writers, I say:
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you.
You too can love in writing
Like those people, if you want to write a letter of love, appreciation or gratitude, don’t hesitate. Go ahead! Start with the first word and the rest will come. Then, email the Word version of your letter to naomi@conversations-quietude.com along with the name and full address of the recipient. If you wish to remain anonymous, feel free to use a pseudonym. I will print your letter on the 150 love letters letterhead, put it in a stamped envelope and will mail it. Your letter will also be included in the free e-book which will be distributed on the Internet.
I am looking forward to hearing back from you in writing!
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