John:
That’s an eternal question. Many folks generally think of love in a romantic sense, as does the lady who sent us this week’s question. Joseph and I have addressed the question, in all its various forms, many times over the years. But it still keeps coming up. I guess we cannot ever say too much about it.
Question:
What is this thing called love? How is it that some people find their husbands early in life, or instantly, and some go through unsuccessful multiple marriages later to find theirs? How are soul mates manifested?
Chief Joseph:
Answer:
What is this thing called love? Well, my dear ones, let me offer you my simple definition of love. Love is a choice you make. A choice to acknowledge and honor the divinity in all beings, in all that is.That is what love is all about, whether we’re talking about romantic love or any other manifestation of "this thing called love."
The problem with love in your modern-day society is it has become "tainted" by sex. Let me explain.
I am not saying sex is a bad thing. It is not! It is a gift to you from the Creator (however you define her or him or it).
Sex is a gift! And yet your perception of it, molded and manipulated over the centuries by your so-called authorities, has become grossly distorted. Have you noticed how your mainstream news media talk about sex? You hear of "sex crimes," "sexual addictions," "pedophile priests," "sexual predators," "sexual deviants." And on and on, ad nauseam.
Is it any wonder many on the earth plane feel guilty about enjoying this most natural and pleasurable of human experiences? Many of you feel guilty even when just thinking about sex.
And so, given all that, it should not be surprising that many of you go through "multiple marriages," to use our questioner’s words, before you find a suitable mate.
Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with going through many marriages or partners. Your entire earthly life is, after all, a journey of discovery. And it’s supposed to be a JOYFUL journey!
How many people do you know who have stayed with their very first job through retirement age? Probably not a lot. How many people do you know who have lived in the same house all their lives? Probably not a lot.
Change is natural and normal and desirable in your earthly lives. And it’s unavoidable. You cannot avoid change except by choosing to die.
So, my dear ones, why do you impose these impossible rules and standards on your relationships, particularly on your romantic relationships? Well, generally it’s because you’ve been convinced (dare I say brainwashed?) into believing that is how it must be.
There is not right or wrong here -- no good or evil, no moral or immoral. There is only what is appropriate or inappropriate for you. YOU -- each of you individually. Your path is unique, special, sacred. And no one can tell you how to live your life (unless you let them).
So to get back to the original question, let me say this: Some of you do need to go through "unsuccessful multiple marriages" (again, the questioner’s words) before you find your perfect mate. And some of you find her/him on the first go-round.
Whatever your process is, it’s OKAY!
Do not judge others, for you cannot ever truly know another’s experience. Each being’s experience is unique, special, and sacred. If you acknowledge and honor the divinity in that being, you cannot ever judge him or her. You can only love. And that is all there is. Love is all that is and All That Is.
