Baby it’s cold outside! There’s something about the cold
that makes us more vulnerable than that of warm weather. We are more
susceptible to horrible colds, debilitating injuries, and even chronic
fatigue due to chilly, harsh winds. But like it or not, such winds are
becoming unavoidable.
As times are proving, even those who have taken residence in sunnier locations face the threat of cold’s sting.
The same is true socially. It seems the more digitally astute we’ve become, the more we’ve detached from each other. The tender touch of a friend or loved one and the soothing sound of hearing their unmistakeable voice has been replaced by clicks, text messages, “likes,” and 140 character tweets. On one hand, we have advanced tremendously in the areas of digital and telecommunication, but on the other, we have become less compassionate and engaged with each other. For those who read my posts often, I regularly mention how now more than ever, people have the power to manipulate the perception of their reality through access to numerous virtual platforms. The ability to stage one’s reality with the simple snap of a cell phone camera has slowly made self absorption the norm as opposed to a character flaw.
But at the end of the day, timeless principles still hold true. No matter how fabulous we appear to be, our true greatness is still measured by how much we love and care for others. Love is layered with many virtues: Forgiveness, understanding, acceptance, hope, patience, endurance, understanding, compassion, and grace, to name a few. It is only when when we are actively participating in giving and receiving love that we are able to enjoy, firsthand, the effects of this special intimacy. A kind word, a gentle touch, a hug, a smile; these are all part of love’s gifts that shelter us from the frigid, literally and figuratively. Not all love is romantic, sensual, or erotic, but love, even in its most modest forms, may be just the thing your fellow (wo)man needs to avoid feeling cold and lonely this season. So, layer up in love and stay warm.
As times are proving, even those who have taken residence in sunnier locations face the threat of cold’s sting.
The same is true socially. It seems the more digitally astute we’ve become, the more we’ve detached from each other. The tender touch of a friend or loved one and the soothing sound of hearing their unmistakeable voice has been replaced by clicks, text messages, “likes,” and 140 character tweets. On one hand, we have advanced tremendously in the areas of digital and telecommunication, but on the other, we have become less compassionate and engaged with each other. For those who read my posts often, I regularly mention how now more than ever, people have the power to manipulate the perception of their reality through access to numerous virtual platforms. The ability to stage one’s reality with the simple snap of a cell phone camera has slowly made self absorption the norm as opposed to a character flaw.
But at the end of the day, timeless principles still hold true. No matter how fabulous we appear to be, our true greatness is still measured by how much we love and care for others. Love is layered with many virtues: Forgiveness, understanding, acceptance, hope, patience, endurance, understanding, compassion, and grace, to name a few. It is only when when we are actively participating in giving and receiving love that we are able to enjoy, firsthand, the effects of this special intimacy. A kind word, a gentle touch, a hug, a smile; these are all part of love’s gifts that shelter us from the frigid, literally and figuratively. Not all love is romantic, sensual, or erotic, but love, even in its most modest forms, may be just the thing your fellow (wo)man needs to avoid feeling cold and lonely this season. So, layer up in love and stay warm.
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