Unconditional Love - Thought #1

Unconditional. Love.

These two words promise a lot and is usually associated to religion and mothers. They were words that were spoken to me by a spiritual seer of sorts (a psychic if you must) - she told me that my purpose in life is to teach the world about unconditional love.

Tall order.

And considering the current state of affairs, my response is: "Really?! Me? Really??? Really."

Huh.

The love that I have known has never been unconditional - neither from my mother or that which I've given to others thus far in my life. Even though Jesus seemed to love everyone unconditionally, he sure handed down a heavy bag of rules. If anything, Buddha had it pretty right on... loving life and not the egos of people.

It seems like there are always conditions in regards to love: "If this and then that". Love tends to be coupled with bias, ulterior motives, desire, fear... even naiveté and self-negation. Have I ever loved someone without thinking "Well, of course I love him because... [fill in the blank]"? Doesn't unconditional mean that there isn't a "because"?

In my world: value, references, research, facts, justifications, judgements drive nearly all our decisions and actions in life, love, career path, shopping habits, etc. So is unconditional love even something worthy of pursuit? Doesn't it just sound like a recipe for disaster? Or is it just some smart psychic's way getting me to leave a $20 tip on the table?

Or maybe unconditional love isn't to be blind or unthinking - maybe it means to be aware of all the factors, all parties, all possible outcomes (both wonderful and horrible), and make the conscious decision to love someone for the sake of their own self and the light they bring into your life.