According to About [dot] com, “Agape (ah-gah-pay) is the main word used for ‘love’ in the New Testament. There are three principal Greek words which can be translated as “love” in English, each with different connotations. The two most common were eros, which refers to sexual love, and philos, which means friendship or brotherly love (eros does not appear in the New Testament, but philos does). Agape was the least used in Greek and least specific in its meaning.”
According to my preacher growing up it meant unconditional love, affection without care of reward, good stewardship, charity, and the occasional secret note left in someone’s pocket. In fact, I still leave secret notes lying around in hopes that they will bring love and light to the day.
Participate
Over the past few weeks I have been in an affair with this expression of love. In fact, it was not until I was lying on my acupuncturists table the other day that the word floated up from my past and proved a relevant label for my current trajectory. I had been working towards giving more. Sharing. Building a yoga community without seeking reward or recognition. In fact, I believe that I can change the world if I could just get more and more people “on the mat” so to speak.
In hopes of opening the doors to that particular revolution here in beautiful Vero Beach I have tried to be available to people, whenever possible, for some of these one on one Agape sessions. By sharing my time with others outside of the traditional yoga class model there has been a level of receptivity that is astounding.
I was delighted when a scientist and his doctor dad wanted to do laughing yoga on the beach, when I was able to work with one of our young veterans in the living room at a dinner party while listening to MC Yogi, at the spontaneous walk on the beach during a thunderstorm with a carpenter, and the endless conversations that take place now daily. There is even a yoga “boot-camp” that the local woman’s gym is hosting that I will spearhead. Six weeks of killer asana with women of all backgrounds and fitness levels. Through simple one on one connections an entire landscape of teaching opportunities have manifested right under my nose.
Experiment
Not only do I find all of this deeply rewarding, I am constantly reminded of the Divine connection we have with each other and that the ability to manifest change is as simple as reaching out. I agree to barter with a young professional who would otherwise find classes cost prohibitive and the Universe sends me a present in the form of a beautiful woven basket. I carry said basket to a dinner party which prompts a conversation about where it came from, the healing industry, and that unravels into an unexpected sadhna. I offer my extra blueberry muffin to the man on 45th street who sells watermelons and he in turn gives me one for dirt cheap.
We wish to reach out, to be seen, to hear, and be understood. We are striving daily for connection because, I believe, we instinctively know that this is the surest path to a connection with that which is greater.
Try it out over the next week. Begin to do simple things for others. Think of how you might contribute to your family, your community, your co-workers even. What tallent have you hidden that you could start spreading freely? What talents do you possess that you could start sharing in a new environment all together? Do it without expectations and yet DO pay attention. The Universe will shift and you will notice that in turn you will start to receive expressions of love from others without thought of payment. You will begin to notice that as you have started the momentum of Love that Love will perpetuate itself. Things will manifest right under your nose-!!
That’s it. All I have to say.
Be Blessed, Be Bold, Be Loved (and Love) ;0)
Seth Godin has some great ideas.
