It’s a warm sunny day. You hear birds, the gentle wind, and a little river. When you walk to the water’s edge, there sits an old man in meditation, radiant with colorful light.
You ask him how he can shine with such a beautiful glow. He smiles kindly and begins to tell his story. Long ago, his teacher taught him how to share love by placing a special flame in his heart.
The flame the teacher placed in his heart began to grow. It became a fire that purified everything it touched. Soon, every cell in his body felt love. His mind and emotions were full of joy. He loved himself completely!
His heart yearned to share love. He placed a piece of his love into the plants and flowers, and they loved him back. His love touched animals, too, they gave it in return, they became one. His love grew and soon he felt united with all living things.
He gave love to all the trees, they gave it in return and they became one. His love grew.
He gave love to rivers, rain, and snow, they gave it in return, they became one. His love grew.
He sent love into the wind and felt communion with all of nature, it all gave it in return, they became one. His love grew.
He sent love into the earth and all the rocks, crystals, and minerals; it all gave it in return, they became one. His love grew.
Then he lifted his eyes to the sky, sharing love with the sun, moon, and stars. Which they all gave in return, they became one. His love grew and grew.
Finally, he shared love with every human he met, seeing himself in their eyes. He realized we are all part of one humanity and his love continued to grow.
The old man opens his chest, takes out his glowing heart-flame, and places it in your heart. You feel its warmth and light growing inside you, connecting you to the wind, water, stars—everything!
You pray with gratitude for life, body, mind, and the boundless spirit of love inside you. You ask for help in keeping that love and peace in your heart always, so you may live in love for the rest of your life. Amen.