Chapter 1: A Lesson from Nature

Dear friends,

Allow me to share a brief tale about an encounter I had with a flower in my garden that revealed to me the essence of unconditional love.

A while ago, while I was still residing in my former home in Zürich, I lived in a small shared house that had a charming little garden right at the entrance. This garden typically had more weeds than blossoms, but occasionally someone would mow the lawn and plant flowers, giving the entryway a more welcoming and attractive appearance.

One day, I noticed a newly planted violet hyacinth (similar to the one depicted here) that caught my attention. Compelled by an urge, I leaned closer to take in its fragrance.

As my nose approached the flower, the scent enveloped me—it was nothing short of divine! I intended to leave after a quick sniff, but instead found myself lingering for another. I ended up spending at least five minutes simply inhaling its aroma.

The flower was enchanting. Its fragrance was both potent and sweet, profoundly captivating. It evoked feelings of warmth and indulgence, and each inhalation deepened my affection for it.

Naturally, every time I departed or returned home, I would pause to savor its scent for a few moments. Then one day, while indulging in its aroma again, a thought struck me: the fragrance brought me such joy that I contemplated cutting it and taking it upstairs to enjoy its scent all the time. It could be mine entirely!

However, I realized that if I took it and placed it in water, it would inevitably perish within a week. Heartbroken, I understood that leaving it in the soil was the only way to appreciate its beauty for longer than just a brief moment.

To truly relish its scent, I needed to allow it to remain where it could access the nutrients, sunlight, and water essential for its growth. This realization led me to a profound insight: this is the essence of unconditional love!

Unconditional love is devoid of selfishness. It doesn't revolve around possessing something that brings you joy without considering its needs. To love someone unconditionally means relinquishing control over them. You cannot dictate what they require; that is solely their prerogative.

It requires stepping beyond your own desires and recognizing that they are an independent entity, not here to fulfill your completeness. Sometimes, loving them unconditionally means your needs might not be met in the way your ego believes they should be.

At this juncture, you can either choose to embrace the higher path and allow the person to be who they are or attempt to control them by imposing your own expectations. Just a heads up, the latter rarely leads to lasting satisfaction.

There’s nothing quite like the experience of loving someone (or something) unconditionally, as it offers a sense of profound freedom. If you've ever felt someone trying to bind you with chains to keep you close, you know that sensation.

Unconditional love is liberating. It feels like a choice rather than an obligation. It is gentle rather than tumultuous.

While it may not always feel pleasant—often, unconditional love forces you to confront your own inner struggles—it ultimately feels right. True unconditional love is measured by how much you are prepared to let someone go if holding on is your only desire.

The video titled "Planting Cottage Style Flower Beds In My Parent's Garden! // Garden Answer" beautifully illustrates the art of nurturing plants and the lessons they can impart about love and care.

Chapter 2: The Freedom of Unconditional Love

In reflecting on this experience, I’ve come to appreciate that unconditional love is not just about the joy it brings but also about the freedom it grants both the lover and the beloved.