George Sands, a French Novelist said, “There is only one true feeling of happiness in this life, to love and to be loved” But; The thought of devoting your entire life, time and feelings to someone or something other than yourself in the name of love can be daunting. It usually takes time to find that someone or something that you love and expect to love you back and yet when you finally do, you never wish to let go.
It is said that true love is all about sacrifice and compromise and never do you receive it on a silver platter. You need to work „smart‟ to attract it in your life and not hard as many believe. It also calls for emotional strength to be able to absorb the love shocks that are part of this beautiful puzzle while continuing to radiant those love sparks inside of you. Not long ago, I embarked on a personal journey of self discovery, to understand what I really needed to build those emotional muscles that would truly define Irene as the true icon of love and peace! Just as my name suggests! On this beautiful, rewarding journey, I fell in love with Nature! My silent yet eloquent teacher, comforter and strength! Friends, if you have ever undergone any form of spiritual transformation, you will agree with me that a time comes when anything else in life doesn‟t matter and all you long for is unconditional love, acceptance, peace, joy and happiness.
During such moments, you seize control of anything that disrupts your peace and simply relax and go with the natural flow of your life. This is how I feel each time I commune with nature. There is no greater teacher on earth that compares to nature. Take an example of trees; I have always known my entire life that trees hold a special place in my heart though couldnt figure out exactly why until I clocked 35 years.
Trees grow in silence and under normal circumstances will with stand all seasons of life by simply remaining flexible and adaptive to the environment. Trees like the African Teak tree commonly known as muvule” have extensive root systems and can grow hundreds of feet deep down into the ground to reach the source of water and grow higher and stronger to touch the sky. This lesson has had a lasting impact in my family, work and social relationships. My ability to love and feel loved is strongly dependant on my value system and how solid my principles are. I have come to realize that I cannot give what I don‟t possess. The amount of love I receive is commensurate to what I offer out to the universe, nothing more, and nothing less! It all starts with me.
Picture from Google images
And so, to ensure that my love tank is always full and overflowing, I occasionally escape away from the rat race of life and seek solitude in nature. Am always reminded that nature doesn't need me to pencil her in for an appointment. It is always available to talk and listen to me. I simply have to possess the will to listen.
I could go on and on about my new found love but one of the biggest takeaways from my love affair with nature is that she has given me more comfort and clarity in life than any human ever has. Trees speak volumes without uttering a single word and if you are not the outdoor person, I will echo the words of Albert Einstein who said, “Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.
Ice Breaker Speech by Irene Ssentongo (Kampala Toastmasters Club President)
No comments:
Post a Comment