Love is a quality of energy which is very nurturing. There are many qualities to love, but we are going to concern ourselves with Unconditional Love. Let us define that as the total acceptance of another human being (or anything, for that matter) exactly as they are without conditions, expectations, or preconceived notions. This is that nurturing quality of love which allows someone to grow and express themselves as they so choose.

Since the basic quality of the Soul is love, whenever we give someone love we awaken the true essence of the Soul or the True Self. This brings out those qualities in them (and us) most consistent with the quality of love, thus changing that person for the better. Remember, it must be unconditional. We cannot want them to change the way we want them to change. We must allow them the freedom to express themselves, content that we have, in some small way, helped them change for the better.

For many years on Sunday mornings during the winter I played basketball in a gym. One Sunday I had a ball hog on my team. He was obviously the best player in the gym, but he wouldn't let anyone else touch the ball. At first I was mad because he wouldn't let anyone else play. Then I thought I would give him love. So I started talking to him in my mind, telling him what a good player he was and how glad I was that he was on my team. After about five minutes of this he started throwing the ball to others on the team. He hadn't become a total team player, but he had improved. I had changed him for the better. I had no expectations of what would happen. All I knew was that I would rather feel love than mad and that I would in some way change him for the better.

By constantly giving unconditional and supportive love to all those around us we can be a very powerful force for positive change. No one can stay mad for long when someone is giving them unconditional love. Broadcast love in the place in which you work, always have a kind word for people, and watch the attitude and morale of those with whom you work improve. Love is a very powerful force for transformation. Use it on yourself and others.

June is National Self Love month. This is a time when we stop and appreciate ourselves for all the wonderful things we are, have done and have accomplished in our lives. In bringing love into our lives, we should not only give love to others, but give it to ourselves, too. We have the same fine qualities which we value in others, or we would not be able to recognize them in others. In our society we are told to focus on other people and not take time for ourselves. But even as we worship God by being kind to our friends, neighbors and strangers we also worship God by being kind to ourselves. So do it!

For the entire month of June you are hereby forbidden to think a critical thought of yourself. You are hereby commanded to write down on a piece of paper, each day in June, one new trait or quality you have which you value. June is a month of giving yourself credit. Then, each day in July, you must take out your list of thirty qualities and read them to yourself until you realize just how wonderful you really are. Do it or be square.