atreesvoice

Early this morning, I found my mind replaying what seemed like an insignificant memory. I was at a dinner table with some friends, one of whom was discussing her dog. It was obvious that her love for this animal was enormous, perhaps even over the top. It seemed like others at the table found this overwhelming emotion to be naive or silly. These people are also animal lovers, but their love is more subdued, more reasonable. And I recognized that I have a fondness for anyone who loves their animals beyond reason. That was when the phrase hit me: Love beyond reason. It doesn’t have to be an animal, I enjoy the presence of all who love anything beyond reason.

“Reason: rea·son n 1.an explantion or justification for something 2.a motive or cause for acting or thinking in a particular way 3.the power of being able to think in a logical and rational manner 4.a cause that explains a particular phenomenon 5.the ability to think clearly and coherently 6.the ability to think logically regarded as a basis for knowledge, as distinct from experience or emotions.”

Hence, to love beyond reason is to experience love without justification, explanation, motive, cause or logic. All of which I believe our current society has an over-dependence on. Because animals seem to love this way always, it is easy to love them back in the same way. What about, however, those family members that push our buttons? Can we see through the emotions of distress that are brought up, and find the love that doesn’t care what they do or how they act? Or in our chosen activities, can we do those things that bring us joy, not for any motive other than enjoyment? And what about those activities we do because we feel obligated to? Can we do them with love, not because of what we get out of it, but simply because we are alive and these activities bring the experience of living?

I write these questions, not because I have answers, but because I love examining life. It is one way that brings me joy without explanation. I could ascribe a purpose, but the truth is I do not believe my human mind has the ability to fully understand through its limited perspective. That’s alright, I love beyond reason the exploration of the ways of the world anyway.