love

As I gaze past the somber landscape, suffused with the bleak hues of winter, the world outside appears as cold and desolate as the temperature informs: a merciless 2 degrees Celsius. Hardly a fitting backdrop for a discourse on something as mirthful as relationships, yet paradoxically, it mirrors my current sentiments. I'm drawn back to ponder upon the eloquent piece I just read discussing the situation in Gaza. Despite the harsh realities of war and conflict, amidst the blatant disregard for human rights, what strikes me most is the human endeavor for connection, for upholdment of human dignity.

Contemplating on the unfathomable circumstances under which these folks must navigate their relationships got me reflecting deeply on my own emotional journeys. Love, I believe, is an intricate labyrinth where the journey is as captious as the destination. In the quest for that intimate connection, one often finds oneself truckling before emotion and reason, tossing and turning on the bed of roses strewn with thorns of tacit understandings and unspoken expectations.

I liken romantic relationships to a slow dance under a starless, night sky. With each step, each twirl, each musical exhalation, we cautiously reveal our deepest fears, our shattered dreams, and our blazing hopes to each other, bidding them to bear witness to our vulnerabilities. We tread carefully, lest we step on each other's fragile emotions. It is in this dance where trust and understanding triumphs, where love, like a silent whisper, reverberates through the symphony of entwined souls.

It is difficult, therapeutic, restorative and destructive; all at the same time. We endure the pain, the loss, the minuscule nuances that signify the end of a relationship, only to be reborn from its ashes, stronger, wiser, prepared to love again, to lose again; in this eternal cycle of creation and destruction. It is an acceptance of the ephemeral, of change and impermanence. Thus, our hearts wholeheartedly perform this mournful dance, committing themselves to an altar of profound grief and passionate joy.

Consider the Palestinian people navigating their love through war-torn streets, their hearts echoing the undercurrent of tension that fills the air. The unforgiving circumstances under which they must keep the flame of love alive is a stark testament to their tenacity. It underscores, in brighter hues, the universal resilience of love; the human penchant for connection and intimacy, no matter the hope channelled to them from afar, even through a simple Norwegian blog post.

Their unequivocal pursuit of romance amidst adversity reminds me to embrace the labyrinth of love as an opportunity for growth, both personal and emotional. It reiterates how love is not blemish-free but marked with the scars of battles fought and victories attained. Aren't we all incremental constructions of our past relationships, imbued with the essence of those we've loved and lost?

And so, as my train continues its journey through the bone-chilling Norwegian landscape, my heart pursues its journey through the labyrinth of love, guided by the stars of human resilience, unfettered by fear, buoyed by hope, fervently committed to the dance of love. Maybe, in our incessant quest for love and connection, we truly are not alone.

Tags: relationships human resilience love

There is a chill in the air this morning as I gaze out of the train window, seeing gleaming shards of frost under the pale morning sun. It is almost as if the universe too, shares in today's mood painting these diamonds outside whilst mirroring my emotions within. Ah, life has this odd, beautiful habit of dancing along mysterious pathways. Just as the way the dew kisses a morning bud to blossom, so too does Cupid's arrow strike us when we least expect.

Yes, we are talking about the universal sensation that sweeps everyone off their feet and wraps them within a bubble of sweet nectar - the addictive, glorious and dreadful feeling of falling in love or having a crush.

There's something ineffably surreal about finding your heart tucked between the pages of another's soul, drawn inexplicably to their essence as a moth is drawn to a flame. In morning’s sweet glow, the thought of them rests lightly on your mind, just as tender sun kisses the frosty sheen outside.

The beauty of this magnificent yet dangerous sentiment is that it propels you to an unforeseen journey. Each moment, like the scintillating frost engraving patterns of hope, reflects untainted bliss that nestles within the crevices of your being. The clattering rhythm of the train marries perfectly with the sweet symphony of emotions bubbling beneath the surface, painting the perfect tapestry of love and longing.

This morning as I ride the train, caught within the dance of falling temperatures and falling in love, I can't help but think of the stark contrast the world offers. While my heart is imbued with the warm hues of infatuation, reality paints a different picture altogether. One look at the morning's headlines hints at shadowy conflicts, like a cloud obscuring the sun's cheery demeanor - it is not all diamonds and roses. The world is layered, complete with its unique shades of ecstasy, despair, and everything in between.

Such is the wonder of love. As it ignites our souls, it also opens our eyes to the stark realities of our surroundings. You might argue that falling in love serves as a beautiful distraction from the jarring chaos that life often unravels. Or perhaps, the omnipresence of such troubles makes the sentiment all the more precious. A respite, a haven of boundless emotions amidst the ticking clock of reality.

To the ones reading this, should you be riding similar waves, take heart. For love, in its essence, is as panoramic as the universe itself, reflecting a myriad of emotions, just as the magnificent spectacle outside my train window right now.

Sometimes we are the frost, tender and delicate, ready to melt at the touch of the sun. At other times we are the diamond, gleaming with a newfound splendor. But regardless, we keep going, for despite its bitterness, winter too has its charm and so it is with love.

Tags: love reflection life experiences