What Would Love Do?

Asking this simple question may be the most important tool to staying happier, healthier, and much more effective in your daily life. In my book, Benjamin was constantly being triggered by other cars, which made him sink into old patterns of low self-esteem and beliefs that he was inferior. It was not until he started to integrate the teachings of Jesus, Buddha, and Michael Jackson did he start to respond with "love" in every interaction he had.

By asking the question, "What would love do?," we bypass our fear-based emotional responses, and instead, we reach for the most highest and best healing response to alleviate the pain in ourselves and in the other person.

What does this look like in action? Of course, it is easier said than done, as Benjamin found out, and it must be continually practiced. There are methods to disarm hurtful behavior, like criticism, bullying, degradation, and other types of aggression. These behaviors by their very nature tend to trigger all of us, and may bring up painful memories from our past of injustices we have witnessed or were perpetrated on us. Our unconscious, automatic response is to get angry, fearful, and even feel ashamed. We may be silenced into submission and feel more worthless about ourselves, or we may fight back with venomous rage, trying to get justice at the cost of our peace of mind. A much better opportunity presents itself when we bring ourselves back to the present moment through our breathe. In this reverie, we reconnect to our the divine consciousness, our higher self. In our higher self, we can hear the response to the question, "What would love do?"

So "What would love do?" Love is healing, unconditional, and only sees perfection. To respond with love means that you speak to the soul of the other person and to the soul of yourself, rather than speak to the injured, retaliating ego. Benjamin practiced this when he spoke to the menacing bikers and got them in touch with their goodness. Consequently, their bullying ceased as their pain was met with understanding and love. Benjamin felt more effective and his self-esteem rose when the bikers responded with affection, fist bumping his VW emblem.

The next time somewhat reacts from their ego and makes you feel awful, just remember to breathe, align with your higher self, and ask, "What would love do?" You just might hear your inner voice respond in a loving way that feels contrary to the pain your ego carries. You will be so surprised how quickly you can deescalate an intense situation. Even when two parties cannot agree and are in war over their differing perspectives, tolerance can he achieved and healing gained when you allow "love" to have a voice. It might sound a little like this, "I can see how much pain it causes you to accept me the way I am." "I sense how much you suffer holding onto your perspective." "You hurt me with your words to make yourself stronger and more powerful, but you don't really need to do this. You are strong and powerful when you are being more of yourself. I know the real you is a kind and descent person. It is hard to access this when you are so hurt."

Responding from "love" means that you are self-aware enough not to take other people's behavior personally. You understand that their response has more to do with their own journey and what they are going through, and less to do with you. So the next time you find yourself about to lose your cool when you are triggered, align with your higher self and ask "What would love do?" We heal the world by acknowledging the essence of one soul at a time, including our own!