Love is a practice

 Valentine's Day is a day when we celebrate love and the relationships that we have in our lives. However, as Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us in his book "True Love," love is not just a feeling, but a practice that requires effort and commitment.


In the context of social care and just relationships, the insights of "True Love" are particularly relevant. In our work with others, whether it be as caregivers, social workers, or volunteers, we must learn to be present and attentive to the needs of those we serve. This means being willing to listen deeply, without judgment, and to accept the other person exactly as they are.


This kind of approach to social care requires us to be compassionate and empathetic, but also to be mindful of our own boundaries and limitations. We cannot be everything to everyone, but we can offer our presence and support in ways that are meaningful and impactful.


At the heart of "True Love" is the idea that love is about creating connections and building relationships. Whether we are working with individuals or communities, we must learn to see beyond our differences and to embrace our shared humanity. This requires us to be open-minded, non-judgmental, and willing to learn from the experiences of others.


Valentine's Day is a reminder that love is an essential part of our lives, but it is also a practice that requires effort and commitment. By taking the insights of "True Love" and applying them to our work in social care and just relationships, we can create deeper and more meaningful connections with those we serve, and help to build a more compassionate and empathetic world.





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