By Ashlynn Larsen
“Knowing love or the hope of knowing love is the anchor that keeps us from falling into that sea of despair.”
Approaching Valentine’s Day this year, I was prompted with a task from one of my professors who asked the class to take time this week to realize the truth that love is all around us. Originally not too interested in the seemingly cheesy task, I went about my busy week. It wasn’t until reflecting on the week on Friday night that his words came back to mind. I realized the overwhelming truth and importance of his statement: love really is all around us.
In the maze of human experience, love finds its way through every aspect of our lives, enriching our existence in myriad ways. Research within positive psychology has highlighted the correlation between love and happiness, with individuals in loving relationships reporting higher life satisfaction (Hendrick & Hendrick., 2017). The benefits of love extend to physical health, with lower blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular disease risk observed in individuals in loving relationships (Gerard., 2019). Furthermore, supportive relationships rich in love can be associated with resilience and longevity.However, despite all the benefits love has on our lives, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often overlook the profound depth and abundance of love that surrounds us. From the warmth of platonic relationships to the kindness of strangers, love manifests itself in diverse forms, shaping our well-being and contributing to our overall life satisfaction. But the question that arises is: how can we recognize love in our day-to-day life?
Understand the Multifaceted Nature of Love:
Love, a complex and multifaceted emotion, transcends conventional boundaries and encompasses a spectrum of sentiments, ranging from affection and tenderness to empathy and connection (Vangelisti & Perlman., 2019). In the contemporary discourse, psychologists like Barbara Fredrickson, have emphasized that love defies rigid categorization and flourishes in myriad forms, influencing various aspects of human experience (Fredrickson., 2019). Love extends beyond romantic relationships to include the bonds we share with friends, family, pets and even strangers .These diverse expressions of love contribute significantly to individuals' well-being and social connectedness, fostering resilience and emotional fulfillment. By acknowledging and appreciating the richness of love in its various forms, individuals cultivate a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in human relationships and enhance their overall quality of life.
Too often in my day to day life I have heard the words “I wish someone loved me” coming from the mouths of my peers not yet in relationships. In fact I too have found myself becoming this person at different times throughout my life. In the same breath you can ask these individuals about their parents and their friends and pets and siblings and on and on. They will flippantly say sure but remind you that it is not the same. They are right. It is not the same, however that does not mean that it is any less important and essential to our wellbeing. The love that you are allowed to feel in your life is not only to be defined by your relationship status.
The reason I highlight this is because platonic love can often be overshadowed by its romantic counterpart, however it is the most common form of love we will feel in our lifetime. This love plays a pivotal role in our emotional well-being, personal growth, and social connectedness. By acknowledging and appreciating the richness of love in its various forms, individuals cultivate a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in human relationships and enhance their overall quality of life. Research highlights the significance of strong social connections in fostering happiness and overall life satisfaction.
Cultivating deep and meaningful friendships and communities as talked about in one of the mindfulness modules provides us with a support network that nurtures our sense of belonging, understanding, and shared experiences. These relationships serve as pillars of strength during challenging times and avenues for celebration during moments of joy. By investing time and effort into nurturing bonds, we cultivate a sense of reciprocity and mutual care that enriches our lives immeasurably. Love really is all around us and we should not miss out on the love that surrounds us right now in search of another.
Cultivate a Culture of Love:
As individuals, we have the power to cultivate a culture of love and compassion in our communities and beyond. By extending kindness, empathy, and understanding to those around us, we create ripple effects that resonate far beyond our immediate interactions. Positive psychology research emphasizes the importance of fostering positive emotions and experiences in our lives, as they contribute to our overall well-being and sense of fulfillment. Studies have shown that acts of kindness not only boost the well-being of the recipient but also enhance the psychological and physical health of the giver (Post et al., 2019).
When we choose to approach life with love and compassion, we create a positive feedback loop that elevates the collective well-being of society. When we demonstrate love and compassion in our interactions, we influence those around us to do the same, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circles. By fostering a culture of kindness and empathy, we contribute to the creation of supportive communities where individuals feel valued, understood, and empowered to thrive. Through acts of love and kindness, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the collective flourishing of humanity.
In a world often filled with divisiveness and discord, the importance of recognizing and embracing the abundance of love that surrounds us cannot be overstated it shouldn’t take an extra credit opportunity to reflect on the good in your life. Whether it's the laughter shared among friends, the comfort of familial bonds, or the generosity of strangers, love permeates every aspect of our existence, enriching our lives in profound ways. By embracing the multifaceted nature of love, and nurturing all of relationships, we cultivate a deeper sense of connection, gratitude, and fulfillment. As we journey through life, let us pause to acknowledge and appreciate the love that surrounds us.
“All of us are better when we’re loved”
References
Barbara Fredrickson. Pursuit of Happiness. (2023, April 10). https://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/barb-fredrickson/
Bode, A., & Kushnick, G. (2021). Proximate and ultimate perspectives on romantic love. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 573123. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.573123
Hendrick, Clyde, and Susan S. Hendrick, 'Love', in C. R. Snyder, and others (2021), The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd edn (online edn, Oxford Academic, 7 Mar. 2016), https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.34,
The surprising health benefits of Love. UT Health Austin. (2019b, February 13). https://uthealthaustin.org/blog/health-benefits-of-love#:~:text=Happily%20married%20couples%20have%20been,be%20your%20blood%20pressure%20dropping.
Post, S. G., Johnson, B., & Neill, D. B. (2019). Altruism and health: Perspectives from empirical research. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198801662.001.0001
Vangelisti, A. L., & Perlman, D. (2019). The Cambridge handbook of personal relationships. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316336281