I want to know what Love is

by Jedi

A man gave me a book. “I was in the bookstore and when I saw this book, I thought you might like it. So, I bought this for you,” he told me as he handed me the gift. It was a small book entitled ‘The Way to Love’, by Anthony DeMello. I was charmed. What had compelled this scant acquaintance to think of me in the bookstore? Why me? How intriguing it was. Had the Universal Forces been working through him on my behalf? I had to read this book.

The Journey within
It was a tiny book of 31 small essays, three of four pages each. I anticipated contemplating one essay each day as part of my morning meditation. When I was finished, I would begin again. I always wanted to know what Love is. You see, I am alcoholic and for 30 years I drank. I felt no love for others nor could I feel love from them. I was emotionally numb. I knew there was something lacking in me. I witnessed others loving, but for me it seemed impossible. Hell, I couldn’t even feel the love of my own little children. I was a dead man walking.

The Message
I didn’t hear it until my third time through these contemplations. Then, I heard the assignment. Anthony said to me, “You don’t know what Love is.” “I know,” I thought. “Would you like to know=” he asked. “Yes,” I replied. “Well, here’s how to do it,” he said. “Go to the mountains. Go to the desert by yourself. When you get there, do whatever you like to do, not for money and not for prestige. Do it only because you like to do it and you will learn what love is.” “What?” This made no sense, I thought. Okay, I’ll try it. It couldn’t hurt.”

The Journey
I like to take pictures. So, I bought a camera and became a photographer, for the sheer pleasure of it. I commenced to view the world differently. I seen through the camera’s eye. I beheld light. I identified shadow. I captured images. I created portraits. All for fun and for free. As I developed these images, I surveyed smiling faces. As I bestowed them, I experienced joy. I was creating happiness. I was transmitting love. After a time, I was able to receive as well. Others sought to present to me as well. I discerned the pleasure that they received from giving to me. I allowed love. It worked.