“What the world needs now is love… it's the only thing that there's just too little of,” so goes an old song whose message remains relevant until today.
According to report from Our World in Data, “at least 150 ongoing armed conflicts have been recorded each year recently... There has been no year without armed conflict for centuries.”
We do not have to look at the global picture to know where else “there’s just too little” of love. In the small world of communities, there is also conflict in many homes, while loneliness has become a struggle for many individuals, especially senior citizens.
As we celebrate February as the “month of love,” it would be a good time to think about how we can bring love to our small part of the world through acts of kindness.
It’s important to recognize that love transcends romantic relationships, encompassing various forms that not only enrich our lives and fortify our mental resilience, but also fosters a sense of community and connection.
Love manifests in numerous ways, each contributing uniquely to our – and our community’s – health. The ancient Greeks identified several types of love – romantic love, deep friendship or brotherly love, familial love, such as the bond between parents and children, unconditional, selfless love for humanity, playful, flirtatious affection, practical, long-standing love, and self-love.
While personal relationships are fundamental, extending love to the broader community enriches both individuals and society. Agape love, or selfless love for humanity, promotes community connection, emotional resilience, and reduces stress.
One practical way to cultivate love for the community is designating a “Kindness Day” each week when one commits to performing six acts of kindness. These can be simple gestures such as complimenting a colleague or stranger; donating to a local charity; volunteering one’s time or skills; writing a thank-you note to someone who has impacted your life; helping a neighbor with a task; or leaving a positive review for a local business.
Intentionally engaging in these acts fosters a sense of purpose, strengthens community bonds, and contributes to a peaceful community.
Acts of kindness and empathy release “feel-good” hormones, enhancing mood and well-being which nurtures a robust emotional foundation that supports mental resilience.
Also, love fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, which are crucial components of resilience. Engaging in loving relationships provides emotional support during challenging times, enabling individuals to navigate adversity more effectively.
Connecting with nature is another profound way to experience and express love. Research indicates that hugging a tree boosts oxytocin levels, promoting relaxation and emotional balance. Being around trees can also help to lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate, boost the immune system, and reduce stress and worry.
Last week, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched the “Hug a Tree” campaign, encouraging individuals to embrace trees as a form of therapy. Participating in this campaign not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the environment, encouraging conservation efforts.
This Valentine’s Month, let’s broaden our understanding of love to include its many forms. By nurturing love within ourselves, our relationships, our communities, and the natural world, we build mental resilience and contribute to a more compassionate and connected society, and in our small way, bring love to places where “there’s just too little of” it.
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