An Architecture of Love

One year ago from my home stay rooftop in Nepal; on one of only two days when the smog of Katmandu had lifted, I could see the Himalayan range commanding the northern frontier. It stretched across the horizon in every direction. As the dawn broke over the peaks and the white snow-caps came into view, Serita the beautiful matriarch of the Subedi family began her morning devotional to Vishnu and the day began as they all did with singing and praise to the mind of creation with the gratitude of receiving another day delivered.

This beautiful recognition for all that exists and all that has ever been was a testament to the human hearts desire to be always present in the moment and linked to the Universe that delivered it. My spirit on that morning was not as one might expect; a one way train ticket to elation. It was instead dancing with the notion that we know nothing of the mystery of the universe but hope for much; wondering if in fact we are alone or instead if we are part of something more beautiful; if we are part of an architecture of love.

Deciding to live with the belief and faith that we are part of a conscious creation is a personal decision. It isn’t automatic and it can be a stretch to believe that in fact there are more than quarks, molecules, atoms and dust to life.

But when we look around us and we imagine how it is possible to actually “love” it seems far more unlikely that we evolved this emotion that requires a decision than that we share it with something unseen.

As I lived my days in Nepal I was introduced to many deities and philosophies that when boiled down to their core message all had one in common.

The Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Bahai and Buddhist message all focused on some sense of the need for compassion for others. They were all reminders that self was something to be understood and enlightened but not made the entire purpose of the life we live.

And why not? If we are all the result of love than how can our purpose not be to spread and share it?

My good friend Bo often remarks “it’s not about me”; that it is in fact quite possible we are here in part to serve with selfless love and to be conscious that our lives are as important a girder in this architecture as any other life and that without each of us the building can’t stand and at best it is incomplete.

It’s a reminder that when we wonder about our purpose at being here we just need to look around and be honest with ourselves. We need to see and recognize the miracles that happened because we arrived. We need to see ourselves in the blueprint of an architecture that will remain long after we are gone but has our name forever printed on it.

Imagine that the architect has invited you to be a part of this creation and that all you have to do to be a part of it is to do what you do best. Love.