We easily get consumer minded at this time of year. So, I am doing a blog series over the next four weeks on things to think about. Positive things as the year comes to a close. These are the four things the advent candles stand for. But, you don't have to be Christian to appreciate them.
As an Episcopalian I celebrate Advent. It's the four weeks before Christmas. Each week has a different meaning. I talked about them in a blog series years ago. "Forgotten Holidays: Advent".
https://homewithmommy-fran.blogspot.com/2014/12/forgotten-holidays-advent-part-4.html
1. Hope
2. Peace or Preparation
3. Joy
4. Love
http://www.stjohns-saginaw.org/advent-wreaths-arnt-just-for-church/
Love:
We can all think of people, places, and things that we love. The reasons for that love will differ of course. But, it is important to have love in your life. There is something special about giving and receiving love. I am not going to write a list. Because all of my lists are very similar from this blog series. Family, friends, my home, my town, nature, season and monthly things. These all contain some form of hope, peace, joy, and love.
Psychology Today identifies 7 types of love. The article is below but I'll sum them up.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201606/these-are-the-7-types-love
1. Eros - sexual or passionate love (romantic love)
2. Philia - friendship love (a shared goodwill. Companionship, dependability and trust)
3. Storge - familial love (parent and child, usually a younger child because of dependency)
4. Agape - universal love (nature, strangers, God, ect…. an unselfish concern for others)
5. Ludus - playful or uncommitted love (fun activities like dancing or flirting.)
6. Pragma - practical love (relationships founded on duty, reason, or long-term purpose.)
7. Philautia - self love (healthy for self-esteem, not for narcissism)
I think these are all important to have as part of your life. A lot of people crave a life partner (Eros). It's a great feeling to be in a group of friends laughing at a funny story, and think "I love you guys!" (Philia). Like most parents, my heart melts when I see my child smile (Storge). I pray every day, well almost every day (Agape). My BA degree is in dance. C'mon that's an easy one, (Ludus). We all have a relationship with someone we love season one would reason it is the right thing. This is where I give a shout out to my brother. It's okay, I know he feels the same way about me (Pragma). As for a healthy self-esteem, we all should feel good about ourselves for something. (Philauntia) I feel good about myself when I finish a crochet or knitting project. I work hard on them and it feels good to complete them. I am proud of myself for knowing how to make these things.
How do you love? Who do you love? What do you love? Where do you love? Is it always easy to find the right category for the type of love that applies in every situation? No, because sometimes it's not clear if it's Eros, Ludus, or Pragma love. But, it's easy to know IF you love a person place or thing. Does he/she/it give you hope, peace, and/or joy?
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