Life in the Love Zone. Live it!
Posted by Robin Easton
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Humanity, Love, Respect: photo credit – B.S. Wise
Dear Friends, last week we talked about graying hair, wrinkles, aging, and “What We Focus On – We Become”. I think the most important thing we can ever focus on is loving ourselves and others. Tess Marshall gives us powerful and solid advice on how to do this. I find her words grounding, beautiful and filled with love. But that is who Tess IS. She is Love. This is one of the most beautiful posts on how to love that I’ve read. Enjoy!
Life in the Love Zone. Live it!
At a very young age we are taught to look for love in all the wrong people and places. After years of pain, frustration and drama many people give up on love. Many blame others for their loss.
We are responsible for the love in our own life and the love in our world. Each day we have the power and opportunity to be more loving human beings.
The love we offer ourselves and others is forming our experiences of today, tomorrow, next month, next year…our future.
As we commit to living from a state of grace we enter into what I call the “love zone.”
When we choose to be and extend the love we wish to have, we enter the love zone. It is here that miracles happen.
The following suggestions will help you access the zone and live in a state of love.
Cherish and honor yourself.
“I cherish and adore who I am. I bring joy into my heart.”
Fill your life with honorable choices. Set the mood for your day with quiet time, exercise and healthy food. Through out the day it’s helpful to pause and your heart with self-love. Gift yourself with big doses of praise, kindness and forgiveness. Take care of your heart and soul.
Choose to promote loving energy.
The pure love of one person can off set the hatred of thousands. ~ Gandhi
Ruminate on love. Bring loving energy to yourself and others with you thoughts, words and actions. Learn to drop all criticism, complaining, competing and comparing. Offer those around you understanding and compassion.
Choose to bless all travelers at stop lights. Take time to send healing love to people who are hurting. Bless everyone on the planet before going to sleep. We increase the meaning and purpose of life as we increase the love we give away.
Be generous.
Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need. ~ Kahlil Gibran
Generously gift others with listening, compassion, empathy and love. Donate time and money to your favorite charity. Pay the bill for someone who forgets their wallet. Leave large tips for service workers. Volunteer your time. We have everything we need and more. We can’t out give God. We are safe. Our happiness increases with our willingness to be generous.
Forgive everyone.
If we all hold on to the mistake, we can’t see our own glory in the mirror because we have the mistake between our faces and the mirror; we can’t see what we’re capable of being. ~ Maya Angelou
Forgiveness is the key to peace of mind. Each evening forgive anyone who has been unkind. Stop giving energy to your story. Forgiveness is like a flower giving off a fragrance of caring and calm. Forgiveness frees energy and makes room for your full potential.
Focus on good and create good times.
“Life is what we make it.”
I don’t watch or listen to the news. Negativity brings up dark thoughts for me. Instead I look for love. I dwell on love and I focus on the vibration of love. I envision a future of love for the world. When we stop focusing on things that bring us down, our limits evaporate.
Surround yourself with people who love and respect you.
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. ~ Denis Waitley
There are nearly seven billion people in the world. I choose to be with people who bring out my best and challenge me to grow. I can let go of those who don’t support me. I love them from a distance. I practice being a more fun-loving human being. I bring an attitude of playfulness to my life and others. Someone asked the Dali Lama, “What is the meaning of life?” He answered, “To be happy and to make others happy.”
Be open to change.
“Life is all about love…tell everyone.”
Human beings are imperfectly perfect. When you fail at love, recognize your fear. Embrace it, learn from it and choose love once again.
The love in our life begins with us. Every step we take in love creates more love. The opportunities are limitless. Today, I hold myself accountable for increasing love. I invite you to join me.
As we practice being more loving human beings it becomes easier to see beyond the illusion of separateness. Life in the love zone requires a wide open heart. It’s from this place we are able to increase our happiness and joy. It’s from this place we share it with the human race.
Tess Marshall, has a masters degree in counseling psychology and is the mover and shaker, at www.TheBoldLife.com She is author of the book Flying by the Seat of My Soul! You can purchase it on her website or download it for free as an e-book. Sign up for her RSS feed to receive her updates and follow her on Twitter.
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This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
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49 Comments so far...
Jay Says:
28 June 2010 at 10:32 am.
Beautiful stuff, Tess! (Hi Robin!)
I really love this post. It’s chock-full of loving goodness and practical advice. As I am finally (finally!) coming out of a dark and very emotionally-trying period of life, I am glad to have these reminders to help me find my way back to the light. So thank you both for being beacons!
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Tweets that mention Naked In Eden Blog – Robin Easton » Life in the Love Zone. Live it! -- Topsy.com Says:
28 June 2010 at 11:20 am.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by RobinEaston and Mercedes, Jay Schryer. Jay Schryer said: Great stuff! RT @RobinEaston: Life in the Love Zone. Live it! http://bit.ly/a6kB5a [...]
Tess The Bold Life Says:
28 June 2010 at 11:29 am.
Jay,
I’m so happy to know that something I write can help you at a difficult time. I appreciate your love and blessings and I’m sending some wonderful vibes your way. You’re a delight to know and I’m available any time you want to talk. I appreciate the good you add to the world.
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Keeper Says:
28 June 2010 at 2:02 pm.
Self Forgiveness is the KEY to the UNIVERSE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU5T1qbITRc&fe
I love you Robin. : )
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Robin Easton Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Yes, Walt, it really is!! I love you too. Thank you my dear friend.
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
That one sentence can change the world! Thanks for adding it to the conversation. I appreciate it.
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rob white Says:
28 June 2010 at 2:23 pm.
Hi Tess & Robin,
This is both powerful and practical. You offer up some great tips to take into our lives. When I am faced with a challenging or unpleasant situation, I often ask myself; “what would love do now?” If we trust in love the answer will always come.
Like you said, we have to continually practice being loving human beings. We must hold ourselves accountable for adding love to the world everyday.
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Robin Easton Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
What a fantastic question, Rob, one I won’t forget!! “What would love do now?” I REALLY like that. I try to do this in all things, but asking it like that makes our intention very clear. Thank you!! 
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Rob,
A question that should be taught in every home to every child and adult. Then practiced. It’s very powerful. Thanks for your wisdom.
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Jenn Says:
28 June 2010 at 2:46 pm.
Tess and Robin, thank-you! What wonderful reminders shared here today!
I love these parts especially:
Choose to promote loving energy.
“The pure love of one person can off set the hatred of thousands.†Gandhi
Surround yourself with people who love and respect you.
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.†Denis Waitley
Be open to change.
“Life is all about love…tell everyone.â€
have a beautiful week, both of you!!
xx
Jenn
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
A couple of those quotes were new to me and I had to include them. I think I’m going to write them on index cards. Thank you Jenn to adding your love to our blog and world. We’ll all have a wonderful week together!
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Wilma Ham Says:
28 June 2010 at 2:49 pm.
Oh Tess, oh Robin. These words are beautiful. This is giving it back to us, this is showing how powerful we are, always. No circumstance can ever get in the way of us being love. This is what Victor Frankel did, this is what we all can do to become free. Tess, my purpose is to live like this; “Today, I hold myself accountable for increasing love.”
Love is THE energy that life responds to, everything and anybody. My task is to become aware when I am NOT love, to be honest with myself enough to notice when I blame others, when I give away my most precious possession, my Love.
It is important to be reminded though, it is important to see examples, it is important to be encouraged, it is important as you say Tess, to surround yourself with people who are holding you to be the love that you are.
Living life in the Love Zone, another beautiful image to live into.
Thank you both my wonderful friends to be so clear in your imaging. Love Wilma
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Tess The Bold Life Says:
28 June 2010 at 5:04 pm.
Wilma,
Victor Frankel is certainly one who never let a circumstance interfere with his love. I read is book when I was a young mother and it stuck in my mind like it was yesterday. With examples like him I have no excuse. None! Love is the best commodity and we all have enough to last a life time. We also get to take with us when we die what we gave while we lived. What a deal! Wilma you are a shining example of love…your ever desire to be your authentic self is a bright love for us all. I appreciate you. xo
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Evita Says:
28 June 2010 at 6:24 pm.
Hi Tess
Incredible to have your energy with Robin’s energy – just incredible!
The whole post is like music to my ears, soft, sweet angelic music…
I chuckled at the first few lines… how true! We are so taught to seek in the external that we get so detached from the internal. This is the downfall of our balance as beings and so much of that pain sets in. We blame others… not self all too often, for all too much.
Well, your solutions and words are beautiful! Your invitation to love is just perfect and I accept with my whole heart and soul – simply to love!
P.S. Thank you Robin for sharing Tess’ work here – what a delight!
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 4:51 am
Evita,
Yes isn’t that how we cause our own pain. If we all decided to wake up each morning and to increase “being” the love we want to share. We’d all be glowing! Thanks for joining me in the love zone…spread the word. There’s plenty of room here.
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patricia Says:
28 June 2010 at 7:57 pm.
Tess, what a beautiful post full of lovely words and shared with an open heart. I am sending it on to my daughter for her birthday card….it’s just what I want to say to her.
Robin,
Thank you for sharing Tess’ great words with us. ( Quite often read here but do not always comment)
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Patricia,
Wow I’m so grateful to be included in your daughter’s birthday celebration. What an honor. I appreciate you spreading my Truth. I’m grateful.
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Mike King Says:
28 June 2010 at 9:24 pm.
Great stuff Robin! Life really is all about love, so you list all the things that are love, but in reality, they are indeed the essence of love as well. As what is life without love? Nothing I dare say… Great points and reminders, you always have such meaningful spirited posts, its a joy to read them!
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Yes life is the essence of love Mike. And when we’re feeling anything but contentment it’s time to increase the love we send out and invite into our lives. Thanks for stopping by!
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susie @newdaynewlesson Says:
28 June 2010 at 11:54 pm.
Very good points.
I would add forgive yourself, because it takes time and practice to put all of the above into effect in your every day life. Sometimes you will do it better and some days you might fail. If you forgive yourself, each day is a new opportunity.
P.S. Can you add an email subscribe option please. Thanks.
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Susie,
For me forgiveness is love. It does take time to put this in to effect but daily we have infinite opportunities. Because of this we can speed things up. On the other hand time is an illusion and if we stay in the loving present we don’t have to worry about how to give and receive love any other time. Thanks for your wise words.
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Topi Says:
29 June 2010 at 6:17 am.
Life is what you make it! Amen.
Topi
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Topi yes and love is what we make it as well. I want to make mine big and inclusive.
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Nea@Self Improvement Saga Says:
29 June 2010 at 6:43 am.
Hello Tess. This is a great post. You so wonderfully brought my attention to the fact that there is always more room for love–even if it’s just in the moment that I’m sitting at a traffic light. Thanks so much for this moving, inspiring post. Your love definitely overflowed in my direction. Thank you.
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Tess The Bold Life Says:
29 June 2010 at 9:07 am.
Nea, I send my love to you any time any day. I have plenty and it never runs out;) Have a great and loving day.
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Lisa Marie Says:
29 June 2010 at 12:08 pm.
Hi Tess and Robin!
I felt completely refreshed after reading this.
It reminds me that I was born to love!
It also illuminates how much opportunity there is… at any given moment- to consciously and actively be more in the “love zone.”
Thanks and love to you, Lisa
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Born to Love isn’t that a great title for a book! Yes we certainly were born to love and receive it as well. But giving and receiving are one in the same so it makes perfect sense. Thanks Lisa Marie for getting in the zone.
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Keith Says:
29 June 2010 at 1:29 pm.
Hello Tess and Robin!
Tess, you have done such a wonderful job with this post. I want to single out a thing or two to comment on but it is all so good.
The comment Rob made above is great, and a good question to use when faced with a troubling or challenging situation. Something I do when dealing with another individual is ask myself, “How would I want to be treated?” or something similar. It helps to keep me in check.
Thank you Tess for this post and I accept it’s truth wholeheartedly.
Thanks Robin for haveing Tess on your blog!
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Keith and don’t we all want to be treated with love. We all silently scream for it any time we’re not aligned with love. Thanks Keith. I feel the love!
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Tony Single Says:
29 June 2010 at 4:03 pm.
Hi Tess. Hi Robin.
Great post, Tess, although I do have one serious question. It’s about donuts. Okay, no, seriously…
I’m liking what I’m reading in your guest post today, BUT… yup, there’s always one of those. I’m sitting on it right now! BUT I wonder where melancholics fit into all this? That’s my question.
After years of trying to force a change myself, I have gradually come to the realisation that I am a bit on the melancholy side. Even though I don’t go around being depressed 24/7, I do often wonder with advice like yours if no one was ever meant to be a melancholic or if they’re meant to make their melancholy work FOR them rather than against? What’s your take on this as it relates to living life in the love zone?
Actually, that was more than one question, wasn’t it? And probably too much to answer satisfactorily in the comments section. Subject for a future post perhaps?
Oh, and Robin, you have a lovely site here. The theme is a very calming one.
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Robin Easton Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
I really LOVE this comment Tony. It not only touched me, but two thoughts passed through me. Maybe the love part is about doing what it sounds like you are doing, which is to embrace who we really are, even if that is melancholy. Maybe in embracing it we come to terms with who are more easily. And I have heard people say they too make their melancholy work FOR them.
I think we can do the best we can to be loving and positive and uplifted, but I also think there are times that we simply need to let go and just be right where we are at, or just who we are. Sometimes there can be great peace in that, which can let the energy that needs to come in, come in more easily.
As to the love part, doing all this is a form of loving ourselves not matter “where we are at”. I like to remember to be kind to myself. Thank you for your generous words about my site as well. I really appreciate them much!
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Tony,
I agree with Robin, be who you are and where you are and meet yourself there in love. Love heals all the kind and loving attitude you use with yourself will give you insights to self-understanding and acceptance. Celebrate you!
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Chris Edgar Says:
29 June 2010 at 6:30 pm.
Hi Tess — I definitely resonated with what you said about our culture having some restrictive ideas about what love and relationship are supposed to be — it’s been liberating for me to understand that love doesn’t need to be between family members or “lovers,” and doesn’t need to take years to cultivate — it can happen all the time.
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Chris,
Your book is a method that teaches people how to enter and live in the love zone. You use different words that I but it’s the same message. And we need different methods to reach different people. Love on!
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Lance Says:
29 June 2010 at 8:20 pm.
Robin,
So good to be here today and seeing Tess’ words gracing this beautiful place!
Tess,
LOVE. It’s a pretty wonderful place to “be”. And you have really touched upon so many pieces of it all. The one that really has a lot of meaning for me right now: Promote loving energy. This is one I am actively working to be more aligned with. In some ways..I am. And in other ways…I think that I woefully fail. Anyway – this one really touches my heart today…as I think about what it truly means in ALL aspects of my life. Tess, thank you so much for these caring words you’ve crafted here…
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Lance,
Oh yes you’re the person who sends love all over the internet. It brings joy and hope to each blog you comment on. I’m not sure failure is the word. I know it’s not. When we know better we do better. We are all growing more in love daily. Some day we’ll walk on water together…we’ll be so light. LOL but seriously.
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Jannie Funster Says:
29 June 2010 at 8:46 pm.
“There are nearly seven billion people in the world. I choose to be with people who bring out my best and challenge me to grow.”
Yep! That’s why I hang out with you two guys.
And I’m with Tony — where are the donuts?
I wish my hubby would not watch the news, but just because it’s on doesn’t mean I have to let all the negativity affect me. I hear, I watch, I let it in one ear and out the other.
Take care, fine ladies.
xo
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Allowing hubby to watch the news without judgment is setting an example of love. We are all exactly where we need to be. It’s as if you are climbing a mountain. You’re in the lead and you are saying, “hubs come on it so beautiful the higher we climb. And hubs is kind of content exactly where he is… it’s why you’re together. We all need someone to help us on our path and you two fit together beautifully the way I see it on your blog. Also I’m sure there are times he grounds you. He’s probably an anchor in some way, shape or form. In a good sense.
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Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord Says:
30 June 2010 at 6:48 am.
Two beautiful, bold, loving souls under one writing roof — I LOVE IT!
Tess, this is my favorite kind of post of yours, in list format, offering practical tips on how we can all live better, brighter, more fulfilling lives. I loved the Gibran quote about generosity: give more, take less. If someone sees something in my home that they adore, I want them to have it. Their happiness means more to me than any physical token in my living space. (Luckily no one’s admired the elliptical or treadmill much yet… !) In friendships and love, I try to do the same thing, but the weird thing is, when surrounded by supportive, awesome friends like those I have, I find that I simply cannot give away more than I receive. I give something, and get back 10X as much. So I give 10X more, and get back 100X more. It’s a lovely energetic swirl that loving souls set up with each other when in alignment with Divinity — generously supporting each other on this earth walk.
Tess, you give so generously it knocks my socks off. You just never stop, and my prayer for you is that you, too, feel the joy in receiving the abundance you so richly deserve.
My love to you, beautiful friend, and to Robin, whose book I anxiously await and whose movie of her life I will take all my friends to (and buy them Sno Caps). (smile)
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Amit Sodha - The Power Of Choice Says:
30 June 2010 at 8:20 am.
Beautiful Tess. The biggest thing we can do is love our flaws.
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Tess The Bold Life Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Amit,
Oh yes and today I think I will draw a big red heart and write all of my flaws inside and then hang it on the frig (my favorite spot in the house; ) That one line says it all doesn’t it. You’re a beautiful soul and I appreciate coming to Robins and leaving a comment for me. xo
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Tess The Bold Life Says:
30 June 2010 at 10:24 am.
OMG let’s see Robin’s movie together. Want to? I’ll come to you. I’ve never been to NY! Always wanted to and it’s not hubs thing. He would go with me but I can honor where he’s at. And I love snow caps. How did you know; )
You aren’t going to believe this but I sent you a package exactly 45 minutes ago. LOL
Don’t worry about your elliptical or treadmill I DON’T WANT THOSE! Ha! I might have to scan your bookshelf! I swear I use to many !’s and LOL’s when I write to you. Is there something I can add for variety and get the same point across.
Sometimes I think people think lists are just me trying to get ratings. But as I type this I catch myself thinking I’m holding back about what others think of me. OMG (another overused thing, By the way I love Usher’s song OMG.)
I’m taking your advice and doing more lists. You seem to have all the right messages fpr me. I think God sent you to me!
I tell hubs that all the time. I was a kid when he met me and he was so frickin serious and I wanted to just graduate high school and take a VW van to Florida and have fun. After a childhood working on the farm who could blame me.
But he insisted and I came around…because God sent him to me! My ADHD that would drive anyone else insane just arouses empathy in him. Well I’m getting way carried away here so I’ll end now. Thanks for making me stretch and grow my love. It’s a pleasure being in the zone with you!
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Linda Wolf (Insanely Serene) Says:
30 June 2010 at 1:50 pm.
I knew I was heading in the direction of happiness the first time I got caught in traffic behind an accident on the road and focused on sending prayers to anyone hurt rather than on the inconvenience of the traffic jam. Before I got there, I had to practice sending myself compassionate energy, forgiving my own mistakes, and allowing others to love me in my imperfectness. While I do think that practicing these activities first on others, without directing them to self concurrently, we can inadvertently contribute to inner resentment rather than peace. Like everything else in life, it’s a dichotomy, and we each have to find the right balance.
Thanks, Tess, really thoughtful post. And thanks, Robin, for sharing.
Best,
Linda
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Tess The Bold Life Says:
30 June 2010 at 2:50 pm.
Linda,
Hmmm, it’s never caused inner resentment for me never. I appreciate your thoughts and look forward to visiting your bog. Peace and luv. Tess
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Lauren Says:
2 July 2010 at 11:45 am.
Dear Robin and Tess (both of whom are love bugs!),
Love is the most powerful force and presence in the universe. I’m amazed when I reflect that the basis of our life here seems to be love. How remarkable is that!
I’ve been writing a lengthy piece about love and the fact that it is generated from the inside out. Tess, I feel that’s what you’re saying as well and I love your terminology – the love zone.
Love is always present, it’s a matter of our tuning into “the love zone”. We experience love by being love. There is no shortage of love.
I LOVE to interact with others daily in a way that increases our love and happiness.
Great post and thank you both for being loving in spades!
Big hugs,
Lauren
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Hilary Says:
6 July 2010 at 10:14 am.
Hi Robin and Tess .. “love is all” .. as my uncle said .. and someone else in the blogosphere said “love is the only emotion that expands intelligence” .. both ring so true – we can live today in love and forgive others who seem to have let love slip .. I love the quote “Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.†Kahlil Gibran – appropriate at the moment.
Brilliant to read .. life in the love zone – live it: so so true .. many many thanks – Hilary
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www.theboldlife.com soul satisfying life Says:
1 December 2010 at 7:00 pm.
[...] a life filled with love, meaning and purpose, involves self acceptance, connecting with others and appreciating the [...]
25 Must Have Tips to Boost the Love Factor in Your Relationship | The Bold Life Says:
18 October 2011 at 2:30 am.
[...] relationship keep the focus on your behavior. Like sunshine and water help a garden flourish, loving thoughts, words, and actions help a relationship grow, bloom, and [...]
Robin Easton Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Beautiful Jay, I too love Tess’ post. It is SO fundamental and lovely. Your words here touched me deeply. Glad to hear them. You deserve all good and light. Love, Robin
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