In this episode of Standing in the Light, I explore love as a foundational force that shapes our biology, psychology, and spiritual experience. Love is the original state we are born into, the connective tissue of human relationships, and the guiding principle that can bring healing even in the face of pain, fear, and separation.
We begin by reflecting on the history of Valentine’s Day and how its roots in courage, devotion, and sacrifice remind us that love has always been something worth choosing, even when it is difficult. From there, we dive into the science of love, examining how oxytocin, dopamine, and mirror neurons help explain our deep capacity for empathy, emotional synchronization, and connection with both people and even our pets.
The episode also explores how love functions as a spiritual principle through the lens of A Course in Miracles, which teaches that love is the only truth and that fear is an illusion. Forgiveness is reframed as a powerful process of releasing perception and choosing peace over suffering.
We then look at the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman and how understanding the ways we give and receive love can transform our relationships. By learning to identify our own primary love language — and those of the people closest to us — we can shift from unconscious patterns into intentional, conscious connection.
To close, we ground everything in a real-life story by reading an article from Doug Hooper’s You Are What You Think, Book One, titled “The Power of Love Transcends Prison Walls,” reminding us that love’s capacity to heal and transform exists even in the most unlikely places.
Happy Valentine's Day!
For a few love songs, check out my husband's hits on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you listen :)
