The Heart of the Matter

byrcharinhp99

3.6K followers

2 months ago

❤️Happy Valentine's Day❤️

"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired," Robert Frost once wrote. As Valentine's Day approaches, we're reminded of the power and beauty of true love. But what is true love, and how does it navigate the complex dance with fear? Let's explore this timeless enigma.

What is True Love?

True love is not just the stuff of fairy tales and romantic comedies. It's a profound, multifaceted bond that transcends mere attraction. It's the unwavering support of a friend, the unconditional care of a parent, and the self-acceptance that fosters personal growth. True love is built on trust, respect, and open communication, thriving in an environment where both parties feel valued and understood.

Frigg, the Goddess of Love

Once upon a time in the mystical realm of Asgard, there lived a beloved goddess named Frigg. As the Queen of the Æsir, Frigg was not only the wife of the mighty Odin but also the mother of the radiant god, Baldur. Her name, meaning 'Beloved' in Old Norse, was a testament to the love and adoration she received from the gods and mortals alike.

Frigg was a goddess of many wonders. She had the incredible ability to weave the clouds, creating beautiful tapestries in the sky. But her talents didn't stop there. She was also gifted with the power of prophecy, able to see the threads of fate as she wove them. Love and marriage were under her gentle care, making her a symbol of unity and affection.

Despite her importance, stories about Frigg were rare, yet her presence was felt in every loving home and every happy marriage. She shared some traits with Freya, another goddess of love, but Frigg's focus was on marriages blessed by society, making her a guardian of families and a protector of homes.

In her majestic hall, Frigg was often seen spinning wool, a task she cherished. It was believed that she used the wool from cloud sheep to create garments for the Æsir, showcasing her connection to both the heavens and the earth. Her role extended beyond the domestic sphere, as she was also known as the 'Lady of the Hall,' responsible for serving mead at feasts and being a patroness of diplomacy.

Frigg's heart was filled with love for her son, Baldur, the god of light and joy. Her motherly devotion was put to the test when she foresaw a tragic fate for him. Determined to protect him, she journeyed across the world, asking all things to swear an oath not to harm her son. Alas, she overlooked the seemingly insignificant mistletoe, a decision that would lead to heartbreak.

A game was devised by the gods, where they would harmlessly throw objects at Baldur, knowing he was invincible to all but the mistletoe. The cunning Loki saw an opportunity in this and crafted a dart from the plant. He tricked Hodur, Baldur's blind twin, into throwing the dart, which, to everyone's horror, struck and killed Baldur.

Amidst the tales of gods and battles, there was a story that showcased Frigg's cleverness and her relationship with Odin. A dispute arose between two tribes, the Vandals and the Winnilers. Odin favored the Vandals, but Frigg's heart was with the Winnilers.

To ensure their victory, she ingeniously instructed the Winniler women to tie their hair like beards and turned the bed so Odin would see them first upon waking. True to his word, Odin granted victory to the Winnilers, a testament to Frigg's wisdom and influence.

A Celebration of Love

Frigg's story is a celebration of love in its many forms: the love of a mother for her child, the love between spouses, and the love that binds communities. It teaches us that love is a powerful force, capable of inspiring great acts of courage, creativity, and compassion.

In a world where challenges abound, love remains the guiding light, the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives. This Valentine's Day, let us remember the tale of Frigg, the goddess of love, and cherish the love that surrounds us, for it is the foundation of all that is good and beautiful in this world.

“Lin is set to guard those of mankind whom Frigg desires to preserve from harm. Fulla, a maiden with long flowing hair and a golden chaplet about her brow, carries Frigg’s hand casket, keeps watch and ward over her shoes, and shares her secrets. Gna runs errands for Frigg through the various worlds, especially in matters requiring dispatch, in which instances she rides the horse Hofvarpnir, who races through the air and over the waters…”

The Love-Fear Connection

The journey of true love is often intertwined with fear. Fear of vulnerability exposes our deepest insecurities, while fear of losing control challenges our independence. The most daunting of all is the fear of abandonment, which can create barriers to intimacy.

Yet, it's through acknowledging and confronting these fears that love's true strength is revealed. Embracing vulnerability allows for genuine connections, and facing fears together strengthens the bond.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Love and Fear

There is an intricate relationship between love and fear, two fundamental emotions that greatly impact human behavior and experiences. Love is often associated with positive qualities like compassion, freedom, and courage, while fear is linked to negative aspects such as hate, enslavement, and cowardice.

The relationship between these emotions is seen as a dialectic tension, where they exist in opposition but also influence and shape each other. This suggests that love and fear can have a symbiotic relationship, feeding on each other in certain situations.

Love Has the Power to Heal

The idea is that when love and fear are balanced and able to communicate with each other, there is no pathology that feeds a culture of fear. Love has the power to heal fear, and when this balance is achieved, it can lead to a state of nonduality or fearlessness. This balance is essential for personal growth and the healthy development of communities.

In summary, the relationship between love and fear is a central theme in human experience, with each emotion influencing and being influenced by the other. Understanding and managing this relationship is key to overcoming fear and embracing a more loving and fearless existence.

What is the Connection Between Fear and Love?

Love and Fear and two sides of the same coin. The more we love and long for something, the deeper the fear of losing it. When we feel so much love for someone or something, it can be challenging to relate to that person or project with real openness. Instead, many of us try to hold on to it or even control it.

Why Do I Feel Like I'll Never Find Love?

Sometimes, internal factors, like low self-worth, can make finding love a struggle. If finding love is difficult, a good first step is often building self-esteem and confidence. Adopting new hobbies may also help take the focus off of finding love. Love, much like happiness, is often fleeting when pursued intently.

Why is it Scary to Tell Someone You Love Them?

It could be you think you don't deserve it. It could be you worry that you now have to love the person. It could be that you are afraid of what they will now expect from you. It could be because this is new to you and that is a scary thing.

Offense and Defense in a Relationship

Hey there! Let's dive into a story that expands on some pretty intense topics from the movie "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and how they relate to offense and defense in relationships, kind of like in sports. Imagine we're chatting over some snacks, and I'm breaking it down for you.

In the small town of New Carthage, George and Martha, a middle-aged couple, find themselves in a never-ending game of emotional tug-of-war. Their story is a bit like a football game, but instead of scoring touchdowns, they're scoring points in a more hurtful way.

Sports and Marriage on the Defense

George is a history professor, and Martha is the daughter of the college president. They've been married for a long time, but their relationship is far from perfect. It's like they're on opposite teams, always on offense and defense.

In sports, being on offense means you're trying to score, while being on defense means you're trying to stop the other team from scoring. In their marriage, being on offense means trying to hurt the other person with words or actions, and being on defense means trying to protect yourself from getting hurt.

Detachment

One of the ways they do this is through detachment. It's like when you're watching a scary movie, and you know it's just a movie, so you're not really scared. George and Martha detach themselves from their feelings, so they don't get hurt by what the other person says or does. It's like they're watching their own lives from the sidelines, not fully participating.

But detachment can lead to some pretty harsh behavior. They start playing games with each other, trying to one-up each other with insults and put-downs. It's like in sports when players trash-talk to get into their opponents' heads. But in George and Martha's case, it's more serious because it's their way of dealing with their unhappiness.

In one scene, George says to Martha, "You can sit around with the gin running out of your mouth; you can humiliate me; you can tear me to pieces all night, that's perfectly okay, that's all right." And Martha replies, "You can stand it!" To which George responds, "I cannot stand it!" But Martha insists, "You can stand it. You married me for it!" It's like a verbal tennis match, with each trying to outdo the other.

Game-Playing

Their game-playing reaches a new level when they involve a younger couple, Nick and Honey, who are their guests for the evening. George and Martha drag them into their twisted games, using them as pawns to hurt each other. It's like when a team uses a new strategy to throw off their opponents. But in this case, it's not a game with rules; it's their lives, and the consequences are real.

Make-Believe or Reality

As the night goes on, the games become more intense, and the line between reality and make-believe starts to blur. George and Martha have created a fantasy world to escape their pain, but it's not a healthy way to deal with their problems. It's like when an athlete uses performance-enhancing drugs to win; it might seem like a solution, but it only leads to more problems.

In the end, George and Martha are left with the wreckage of their relationship, and they have to face the reality of their situation. It's like when the final whistle blows in a game, and the players have to accept the outcome, win or lose. For George and Martha, there are no winners, only two people who have to figure out how to move forward after all the games are over.

So, that's the story of George and Martha, a couple who used offense and defense in their relationship like players in a sports game. But unlike a game, there's no trophy for winning, only the hope of finding a way to heal and be happy. What do you think? Do you see any similarities between their story and sports?

Navigating the Dance Between Love and Fear

Overcoming the fears that accompany love requires courage and self-awareness. Open communication is key to addressing insecurities and fostering trust.

Practicing empathy helps us understand our partner's fears and offer support. Consider the story of Anna and Sam, who overcame Sam's fear of commitment by openly discussing their feelings and goals, ultimately deepening their connection, and building a more secure relationship.

Celebrating Love in All Its Forms

True love is not limited to romantic relationships. It encompasses the love between friends, the bond within families, and the journey of self-love. Embracing diversity in love means recognizing and celebrating all forms of love, including LGBTQ+ relationships and platonic friendships. By acknowledging the various expressions of love, we foster a more inclusive and understanding society.

Valentines Closing Thoughts

True love, with all its complexities, remains one of life's most beautiful experiences. It's a dance between the heart's deepest desires and the fears that guard them. As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's remember to approach love with an open heart, embracing its challenges and cherishing its rewards.

May this Valentine's Day be a celebration of love in all its forms and may we all find the courage to dance with our fears in the pursuit of true love and keep loving on each other. Happy Valentine's Day!

All My Love to My Wealthy Affiliate Family!

TheRachele❤️