This question suddenly popped into my mind – inspired by one of my favourite songs, no less 😊. While Haddaway has been singing about it since the ’90s, I have to say he didn’t exactly crack open the secret to collective understanding. As I notice the world around me lately is reflecting more on themes of universal love, connection, and also fear and division, I felt inspired to share my thoughts on the subject. Why would my thoughts interest you? Well, because writing about love felt to me especially important in these times.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Fall in Love” (Love = Lovi)? Interestingly, this expression has roots as well in Finnish mythology. In the North, wise Shamans used this phrase to describe a trance-like state they entered to connect with the spiritual world (Lovi). It’s fascinating how the phrase “fall in love” takes on an entirely new perspective when viewed this way, especially compared to the idea of romantic love.
Could it be that these ancient shamans were somehow aware of this now-international word, “love”? Or is it just a strange coincidence? Perhaps the word love originated from ancient pagan traditions and later found its way into people knowledge worldwide. Of course, this is just my speculation, but whatever the case, there’s something about the word LOVE – and what it represents in any language – that captivates us. It’s what we all seek, whether it’s romantic love or something much larger. Maybe this word’s connection to the supernatural, the spiritual, and universal love reflects everything we are and everything we aspire to be.
Romantic love is just one manifestation of this universal feeling. Love is something we all crave – after all, as mammals driven by instincts, and as soulful beings, we yearn for something larger than life. Without connection, we wouldn’t survive.
Love is so much more than the commercialized explosion of red hearts we see on Valentine’s Day. Romantic love can be fiery, passionate, intoxicating, and breathtakingly beautiful. Yet, it can also be gentle, built on trust, deep companionship, and the closest of friendships. Love isn’t confined to romantic relationships; it can be shared between friends, within families, or even take on a universal form – a sense of oneness, belonging, and being part of something greater than ourselves.
What other way of love there is? Is it up to each of us to define what love truly means? One Heart, One Love (thanks, Bobby!). Of course, we could also imagine love as something it’s not, especially if we haven’t yet truly experienced it, but only the idea of it. Empathy can be seen as a form of love for others, yet pity risks placing us above them. This makes love a complex, multi-dimensional concept that can be difficult to fully understand.
In my last blog post, I reflected on the idea of unconditional love. I dreamed about how incredible it would be to meet someone – perhaps a monk – with whom I could share an experience of universal, unconditional love. Do you think it’s possible in this world? To meet someone, even a complete stranger, heart-to-heart – without pretences, without barriers. Just you and me, alone yet together. Without romantic expectations, but in a pure sense of being enough – of knowing that I am wonderful, and so are you, just as we are. Simply fall in love (Lovi = spiritual connection), or perhaps into actual love itself without pretence.
I recently heard a quote: “Even it all feels hard now, there is always hope.” Perhaps this planet isn’t fully ready to embrace unconditional love just yet. But every act of kindness, every genuine connection, brings us closer to that possibility.
Love, in all its forms, is a journey – one we can walk together, step by step, toward a world where unconditional love feels not just possible, but inevitable.
With Unconditional Love,
Nelly <3