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Anāhata-Love, the Ever-Expanding Circle
on the bed. Then she carefully covered it because it was winter. Finally, when her doll was asleep, she slept. She did all these things with such care and tenderness, not because she expected some appreciation from the doll, but simply because she was happy to care for it.
Have you ever thought about this kind of love? Have you ever loved somebody without expectations just because you wanted to love? What would you do if it were your birthday and your loved one forgot to bring you a gift? Would you be patient and understanding, knowing that the spirit of the day is in your own heart, not in satisfying your expectations of how others should act? Or, would you berate your lover, saying, “Why don't you appreciate me? Why haven't you brought me a gift? What kind of lover are you?”
I do not mean to imply that one should neglect expressing one's love. Just now I am not referring to the person who forgot the gift, but to the one who expected it. This is a small example of the way our expectations spoil our days. If someone has forgotten to note your birthday or some other special occasion, you may remind him or her gently. Let him realize that it is all right that he forgot. You may say, “Whether or not you bring me a gift is not important between us. It is we ourselves who are important." Next time, your friend will remember and will return your love and consideration twofold.
Love flows freely when people sense that there is no demand on them. You must be like the little girl with her doll. Allow your love to flow unconditionally toward someone close to you. That person may be young or old, your
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