Adding oomph to “I love you”

Last updated on: February 12, 2013 at 8:21 am by Julie Colwell

Adding oomph to “I love you” 2013-02-12T08:21:26-05:00 Julie Colwell

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Have you noticed how “I love you” can be like an empty gift box–wrapped well, but with nothing inside?

I first observed this sitting with couples where one was ending the relationship. “I don’t want to be with you. But I love you. I’ll always love you.”

Watching the recoil of the receiver of this mixed-up message gave me pause as I wondered how we use these three words. I. Love. You. I vowed that if I were going to invoke their power, I’d mean them.

Here’s what I mean. Take a moment to think of something or someone you love easily.* Where, when you imagine that place, piece of music, dog/cat/parakeet, child, moment, you are filled with a sense of warmth, expansiveness, heart-felt connection. (Partners and family members may not be the first choice for this exercise, as their image may invoke a mixed spectrum of emotions.) Breathe into this felt-experience like you’d breathe onto tinder as it’s starting to blaze into a fire, gently, invitingly. Let it fill your whole body.

As you savor this experience of what love really is (and I’d add, of what loving yourself consists of), make a commitment to evoke this sensation when you speak, write, or even think “I love you.” Make love into the verb it really is, an actual transmission of a powerful, highly expanded, transformative energy.

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful reminder to share your heart, be it through a doily-covered card or simply a conscious breath in while connecting to thoughts of those you love. Go from experience to expression by adding oomph to your “I love you”s.

*Read more on this subject in Gay Hendricks book “Learning to Love Yourself”

Previous Post

February 1, 2013

Top 10 powerful ideas I learned from Ayurveda

Next Post

March 10, 2013 Living happily in the present moment

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Appreciation Authenticity Blame Blog Highlight Classes Co-Creativity Communication Creative Brain Creative Brain Communication Creativity Emotions Energy Essence Events Evolutionary power Generosity Health Inner Map Inspiration Integrity Love Manifestation News Podcast Presencing Reactive Brain Real Power Relationships S.E.W. Self-hate, self-love Taking responsibility Transparency Triangle Trust Unarguable truth Uncategorized video Workshops

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 January 2016 October 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 January 2014 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 May 2010 April 2010 January 2010 August 2009 February 2009 December 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 April 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What four things does the Pale Horse in Revelations bring upon the earth?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Silence, fire, blood, and pestilence Storms, earthquakes, floods, and darkness Sword, famine, plague, and wild beasts Wrath, power, redemption, and judgment