Love and Hatred – Classic Duality

Love and hatred happen from the same source - the pendulum tends to swing from love to hatred and back depending on our experiences, moods, and emotions. I like to analyze why I feel negative towards someone. Soon I come to a conclusion they have made a choice in their lives and reap what they have sown. If my pursuits are different, why should I feel diminished? Am I ready to make the switch? I made a conscious decision that family is my priority. Work is only a means to an end - to earn a living. I have friends and relatives who are the other way too. Work comes first ,and they don't sign off from it. I accept them as they are. Then there was one who played me out - pretended to be one who he was not. It did hurt but I moved on. In fact, I separated from myself and observed from the outside as to how I was taking the reverse. This has happened to me a couple of times when I was tested of my resolve. I never went after reward and whatever I got for my effort I was contented with it. I have no issues with people who negotiate and are calculative in life but that is not me. Being a professional accountant I took care that my opinion counted and also my work ethic. It was more to do with professionalism and conscientious approach to work than ego. Yes, putting ourselves from other's point of view helps better understanding.

@innertalks I agree with Shiva there. Love and hatred do start at the same source. But hating or loving others is within us. We hate or love others based on what we like or dislike about their actions. Are my standards different? Am I unusual? Do others have same standards? Why do I consider my stand to be better than theirs? Analyzing is important part of the journey. There are many things I have done and said which don't make me feel proud of me. Some as a childish person, in defiance, and some because I was overwhelmed with feelings and expected the other person to have understood me, as I was unable to in that deluge. The need was to be free instantaneously from the situation so yeah I did resort to harsh words which cannot generate love, obviously, in the hearts of others. Over the years through channels I have managed to convey why it did not go down well with me. I suppose the person has forgiven because I do not feel hatred towards the person. Indifference. Love is a hard commodity from me.

@Shiva49 "Love and hatred happen from the same source." That is an interesting conclusion. What is that same source that love and hatred both happen from?

Yes, good choices will bring us fulfillment and a contented life. The upliftment of society will benefit all.

@Laurakemunto

@Shiva49 I agree we are the makers and changers to our societies

@Shiva49 Yes, we can do our part to make things better but chances are it will only get worse. We don't seem to have the ability as a collective to make real changes for the good. It is my opinion that a real change is only in the hands of our Creator.

@kanuck1 There have been a few who could change our direction from time to time and I feel another is due now. The darkest hour is just before the dawn.

Yes, priorities differ and as the famous saying goes - it takes all sorts to make a world. I have a disconnect with politics as it is played out. They promise to make a change but end up worse than the previous mainly because politics is a cesspool and, sadly, common folks are dragged into it. I like to do my part - Be the change you want to see in the world as Gandhi exhorted. I think many do in their own ways.

@Shiva49 Yes others are a pain in the neck

It looks remote for now as we are not willing to bite the bullet of love. Love is in the back of our mind always and we throw our hands in despair at the choices we make or forced to make by others. .

Thanks, we should make the wise choices ourselves so that we take responsibility for our actions. When we hate, we burden ourselves - what for? Hatred is no solution, only love is.

@Shiva49 True indeed

Yes, freedom of choice is inherent in creation and that keeps us alive every moment and take responsibility for our actions.

@Shiva49 exactly

@Shiva49 Yes, love is the building block, but we also need a firm foundation to build our edifice to love, and to God upon. When our foundation is undermined by others, it undermines all such foundations for others too. We need to support each other, not tear each other apart. We need to help each person to build themselves on their own foundation, rather than trying to pinch the building blocks of others to build our own castle higher, with stolen materials.

@innertalks We need to step up on cooperation and coexistence rather than division and separateness. The writing is on the wall but we ignore it - maybe, love is a bit boring to live with as our mind thrives on outdoing one another.

Well explained Steve, thanks. Yes a dilution of all pervasive love is a crucial factor. United we stand, divided we fall is written all over creation and we know it too. It is like the all-knowing being told his obnoxious behavior put others off and he promptly replied " I know that too". The spread here is tempting but it is like a buffet meal - take whatever is our need but don't deny others. Capitalism brings out the best in us but also the worst - another duality! We tend to to trip over duality all the time! Life is a work in progress but we need to speed up the process to enjoy the life that is ordained by our creator. Love is the building block of life - no two ways about it.