Recovering from Alcoholism? First, Love.

When I think about Love as a concept, a principle or even as a spiritual tool, I bring to mind the love that was shown to me and given to me as I began the process recovering from alcoholism and addiction. I was surrounded by people who were practicing actions of loving kindness. Their love was a sense of what the Buddhists call "metta" (Pali) or "maitri" (Sanskrit). These two words are derived from a word meaning "friend" or "friendship". This is the love we're talking about here...friendship, loving kindness, good will, or an "active interest in others".

Love is a fundamental concept that lies at the heart of both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Despite any cultural or philosophical differences, these traditions share a common understanding of the transformative power of love in the pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

• Hinduism: In Hinduism, the concept of divine love is central to the teachings. The idea of Bhakti, or devotion to a personal god, emphasizes the importance of love and surrender in one's spiritual practice.

• Buddhism: Buddhism teaches the cultivation of loving-kindness (Metta) and compassion as essential qualities to develop on the path to enlightenment. The Dalai Lama often speaks about the universal value of compassion in fostering inner peace and harmony.

• Taoism: Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, or the natural order of the universe. Love and compassion towards all beings are seen as integral to achieving balance and spiritual fulfillment.

• Christianity: The message of love is central to Christianity, with Jesus embodying unconditional love and forgiveness. The commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself" reflects the importance of love in Christian teachings.

• Judaism: In Judaism, the concept of Chesed, or loving-kindness, is a core value that guides ethical behavior and relationships within the community. Love for God and love for others are intertwined in Jewish teachings.

• Sufism: Within Islam, Sufism is a mystical tradition that emphasizes the power of divine love as a transformative force. Sufi poets like Rumi express the beauty and depth of spiritual love through their poetry.
  

Regardless of cultural or religious background, the universal theme of love as a guiding principle in spiritual practice resonates across traditions. By cultivating love, compassion, and kindness, we can deepen our connection to our inner source of guidance, to others, and/or to the divine, leading to greater inner peace and fulfillment.

Love, as a practice, is more than a feeling. It is an outpouring of kindness and compassion toward others. I love to feel the love I feel for others, but feelings don't quite have the same degree of effect as actually setting my own desires, goals or agendas aside in order to help someone else.

A single act of loving-kindness can have such a huge impact. We get to let someone else know they're loved, wanted, valued - very often when they need it the absolute most. We also get a sense of usefulness - in stark contrast to the sense of uselessness so many of us feel when we begin our journey into recovery. Acts of maitri are healing in 360°. These acts create a sense of belonging and connectedness for the giver and the receiver of love.

I challenge myself daily - and challenge you too - to find ways to show loving-kindness toward someone else. In my practice, we wake up and literally smile to the day. I spend time in quiet meditation. And then I think of a way to be kind that day. It's very difficult to have a bad start to my day when I make these practices my starting point. I set my agenda with two simple words:

First, love.