A great, if not the greatest, demonstration of applied spirituality is that of compassionate and generous love. We are not speaking of the love a husband has for his wife or a parent for their children, and we aren’t referring to the love that exists between best friends or relatives. This is a love that transcends relationship and title; it is one that acknowledges our shared humanity and vulnerable experience as human beings. Spiritual love says, "I am your sister. I am your brother. I accept you as you are for exactly who you are. Let us live in peace.”

Sri Swami Sivananda, a great leader of spirituality and yogic practice, writes, "Love is constructive and creative.

Love binds and builds. Love is the principle of regeneration. Love is an actual substance you can use with confidence.” This sentiment may lead us to contemplate: Am I constructive with my love and presence in the world? Do I view the world in a fixed way or am I flexible, available, and creative with how I show my love? When our "love” is hurtful or harmful to others, when we wrap our insecurities and judgments in harsh opinions and call it "love,” we are not binding and building. Love is something we can use to heal both self and other when used appropriately. It can regenerate our very soul.

Sivananda goes on to say, "Love is a positive, concrete thing. He [or she] who applies the law of love with scientific precision can work wonders.” So many of us think of love as an ephemeral idea; something that circulates around, and maybe even through, us, but not something we can grasp. But Sivananda reminds that it is concrete; we can use it for our own growth and the continued evolution of our relationships. It is a science. The evidence of how we demonstrate love speaks for itself. As we look at the impact we have on the world around us we can tell the quality and authenticity we bring to the love we show. Does our world look closed, restrictive, and fearful or does it look open, generous, and comforting? The way we see the world is a reflection of how we love.

A dear friend recently shared that she sometimes resists when others appear to need too much from her. The more they need, the less she wants to give. We are all guilty of this on some level. But which takes more energy?

Loving from an open and generous space of accepting people as they are and building a connection based on a sincere recognition of what they need, or moving away and being afraid that the energy we give will be lost forever?

Love is a reconnection to our most vital source. This is the energy that serves as a balm for minds and hearts and the elixir that has been known to heal people in the midst of serious illness and suffering. Love is life itself.

As Sivananda says, "To love is to live.”

Billy Rosa is a Registered Nurse, Integrative Nurse Coach Visiting Faculty, University of Rwanda