One, four letter word does little justice for the deep way we feel towards others and ourselves. When considering the idea of love, I feel it is best to turn to the Greeks.

The Greek language contains eight separate words for this complicated human concept. Eros is for physical love. Philia is for affectionate love. Agape is for sacrificial love. Storge is for familial love. Mania is for obsessive love. Ludus is for playful, noncommittal love. Pragma is for practical love. Philautia is for self-love. To connect with our higher sense of being, we must practice each of these simultaneously.

To be in love is to be fully present. Whether that love is for a partner, a parental figure, or for yourself, holding such a deep connection requires us to appreciate exactly what is happening in the present moment. Each of the Greeks' eight versions of love works deep into our consciousness as we find love for ourselves or the world around us. Love comes in many forms, and by accepting and appreciating each of them, we are able to fully experience life.

With peace and love,

Mia Hamilton

Marketing Liason for Metaphysical Pilates

“To love someone is to identify with them.”

February 2023