You have probably heard the saying 'Love is the answer to all problems'. That statement has more depth to it than most people realize. It is also an absolute and not simply a far-fetched statement. It is applicable to all situations in life but one has to learn to wield it properly with understanding and wisdom. All actions by people are motivated by only 2 desires, love or fear.

In truth fear is only the absence of love and hence not real at all. Only love is real and absolute and its power is universal and felt and recognized by all. So if love is really what everyone is seeking then is it not the answer to all life's problems?

The journey to love begins with self love and extends out to everyone else from there. You cannot give to another what you don't have within your self. When one is whole in ones own sense of self then the outside cannot impinge on the inner peace that one feels within. The key to dealing with life's challenges is to realize that no one can truly hurt you if you love and appreciate your self enough. It's our own lack of self worth that leads to feelings of inadequacy and allowing our selves to be hurt. So, self love comes first.

It takes years to truly develop self love through positive self re-enforcement and self discipline needed to root out negative tendencies. Once you have mastered the art of developing positive intentions in your self, your true self emerges, and with it your sense of self worth and love is restored. The true self once it is allowed to emerge will guide and re-fashion every aspect of your life so that one can experience true everlasting happiness that cannot be shattered by the ignorance of this world as it is rooted in true wisdom that is not of this world.

The fastest way to learn to love is to develop a loving relationship with the source of all love, the supreme deity that created all things and in whom all things reside. God is love and love is God. Forgetfulness of our eternal relationship with God is the root cause of our suffering. It is like a fish without water. Without a spiritual connection to our true source we suffer in our ignorance and fall into fear and delusion. Consciously establishing a loving relationship with God is the fastest way to allow the true self to emerge.

Mantras are one way that can assist you in allowing the true self to emerge and to form a connection with the supreme deity. Mantras are a group of syllables that carry spiritual potency and when recited repeatedly help to bring about positive transformations in the chanters consciousness. The sound vibrations of a mantra invoke spiritual forces that help elevate your consciousness to a higher plane thereby inducing states of peace and relaxation. It can be particularly effective for people who have a hard time meditating or calming their mind as it gives the mind a focus point.

There are many mantras available each with its own unique characteristics and spiritual potency. Pick a mantra that is soothing to you. Base the decision on what you are drawn to and what feels right when you chant it. Here are some examples of chants and what their vibrations induce in the chanter:

• God is love, [Your name] is love - helps develop a loving relationship with God
• Om Mani Padme Hum - Mantra to develop feelings of compassion and peace
• Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare - Hare Krishna mantra to invoke the blessings of the supreme deity and develop feelings of love towards God

After picking a mantra it is critical to make a habit of chanting it everyday so the benefits of the mantra can be accrued. Chant a mantra for 15 minutes every day for a month and you will notice a shift in your consciousness. It may feel like lightness in your being and feelings of inner joy and happiness bubbling up naturally from within. This will be your guidepost that you are on the right path to developing self love and finding your way back to your true home. May the blessings and grace of the supreme one be upon you on your journey.

Copyright Divine Child