What is Love?

Redefining Love: Unity, Fear, and the Illusion of Separation

Recently, I listened to a podcast episode that challenged and expanded my understanding of love. The host offered a unique perspective: love is unity—the act of incorporating another into yourself, creating a sense of oneness. She further posited that the opposite of love is not hate, nor indifference, but fear. Fear pushes things away, creating division, whereas love draws things together, forming connection.

Initially, this definition struck me as unconventional. I had always believed that the opposite of love was indifference—a lack of emotion or connection. This idea seemed logical, as indifference denotes an absence where love thrives. However, the podcaster’s argument shifted my thinking. Indifference and hate, though seemingly opposites of love, both focus on the external, whereas fear operates internally, repelling connection.

Love, as she explained, is both attraction and inclusion, and fear is the repelling force that divides. If we seek to define love, perhaps it is best understood in contrast to its opposite. To truly know love, we must explore the Yang to its Yin.

Instead of elaborating further on my reflections, I’ll share the podcast’s key insights, which profoundly shaped my perspective. But first, our friends at Google’s Deep Dish Podcast share their insightful takes:

Defining Love and Its Opposite

The podcast presented a bold and encompassing definition of love: to take something as part of yourself. This understanding transcends romantic notions and encompasses a universal, energetic perspective of inclusion and unity. Love, as the host explained, is a movement toward oneness.

Conversely, fear was described as the antithesis of love. Fear pushes things away, creating separation and fragmentation. Unlike hate, which focuses on external objects or people, fear is deeply internal. It’s the force that fractures unity, creating the illusion of disconnection.

The Illusion of Separation

One of the most striking themes of the episode was the assertion that separation is an illusion. The host explained that all things and beings are interconnected, part of a singular consciousness often referred to as “God” or “Source.” The perception of separation arises from the ego’s fragmented view of reality. This illusion, she argued, is the root cause of pain and suffering.

Pain is a symptom of disconnection—whether from oneself, others, or the universe. On the other hand, happiness and fulfillment arise when we experience unity and connection. The episode described these emotional states as indicators of our alignment with oneness.

Radical Self-Love as a Path to Wholeness

To overcome the illusion of separation, the host advocated for radical self-love. This transformative process involves embracing all aspects of ourselves, especially the parts we tend to reject or fear. According to the podcast, healing requires us to:

• Identify the disowned aspects of ourselves.
• Understand the needs of these fragmented parts.
• Consciously choose to integrate them through compassion and understanding.

By fostering internal unity, we naturally extend love and connection to others. Radical self-love is not just a personal practice; it’s a path to healing relationships and contributing to collective unity.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness emerged as a cornerstone of love in the podcast’s framework. The host emphasized that unforgiveness perpetuates separation and prevents authentic connection. To experience true love, we must let go of past grievances and see others—and ourselves—through fresh, compassionate eyes. She eloquently stated:

“In a state of unforgiveness, you don’t offer the truth of yourself to others. Instead, you carry the energies of past pain, blocking the divine connection.”

Forgiveness is not about excusing harm but about releasing the hold it has on us, allowing space for love to flourish.

Practicing Oneness

The episode concluded with practical advice for cultivating love and unity. The host encouraged listeners to shift their focus from differences to similarities, recognizing the inherent connection among all beings. This practice involves:

• Seeking commonalities with others, even those we dislike or fear.
• Acknowledging our shared humanity and divinity.
• Embracing the interconnectedness that underpins existence.

By practicing oneness, we align with the ultimate truth of love: that we are all expressions of the same divine energy.

Reflections and Takeaways

This podcast profoundly influenced my understanding of love. Here are the key lessons I took away:

1. Love is an act of inclusion, while fear perpetuates separation.
2. Separation is an illusion created by the ego.
3. Pain arises from disconnection, while happiness stems from unity.
4. Radical self-love heals fragmentation and fosters internal and external unity.
5. Forgiveness is essential for experiencing true connection.
6. Practicing oneness helps us move closer to love and happiness.

As I reflect on these insights, I find myself redefining not just love but also my approach to relationships, self-understanding, and the world around me. Love is not just a feeling or an act—it’s a state of being, a return to our true nature of unity and connection.

What does love mean to you? How do you see its relationship with fear? Ponder these questions and explore the profound wisdom shared in this podcast.

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Summary

The text presents a blog post by TATANKA, exploring the concept of love as unity and the opposite of fear, not hate or indifference. It draws from a podcast emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and advocating for radical self-love and forgiveness to achieve wholeness. The post concludes with practical steps to cultivate this oneness, linking the concept to personal growth and global unity. The site also features information on TATANKA’s mission, music, and AI projects, including initiatives focused on indigenous wisdom and sustainable development. Quotes from Sitting Bull are included, possibly reflecting the organization’s values.

Briefing Doc: “What is Love?” by TATANKA

Source: “What is Love?” blog post on TATANKA website (December 1, 2024)

Main Themes:

• Redefining Love: The article challenges traditional notions of love, proposing a broader definition based on unity and inclusion.
• Love vs. Fear: Fear is presented as the antithesis of love, acting as a force of separation and fragmentation.
• The Illusion of Separation: The piece argues that our perception of separation from others and the universe is an illusion, and that oneness is the true nature of reality.
• Path to Wholeness: It highlights radical self-love and forgiveness as essential practices for overcoming the illusion of separation and achieving wholeness.

Key Insights and Facts:

• Definition of Love: “to take something as part of yourself.” This encompasses a universal perspective beyond romantic love, emphasizing the energetic connection and movement towards unity.
• Fear as Division: Fear, unlike hate, operates internally and repels connection, creating the illusion of disconnection and fueling fragmentation.
• Source of Pain and Happiness: Pain stems from disconnection, while happiness arises from experiencing unity and connection, reflecting our alignment with oneness.
• Radical Self-Love: This practice involves embracing all aspects of ourselves, including the parts we reject or fear, leading to internal unity and extending love outward.
• Importance of Forgiveness: Unforgiveness hinders authentic connection and prevents us from offering our true selves. “In a state of unforgiveness, you don’t offer the truth of yourself to others. Instead, you carry the energies of past pain, blocking the divine connection.”
• Practicing Oneness: Shifting focus from differences to similarities, acknowledging shared humanity and divinity, and embracing interconnectedness are crucial steps in aligning with the truth of love.

Key Takeaways:

1. Love is inclusive, while fear perpetuates separation.
2. Separation is an illusion created by the ego.
3. Pain arises from disconnection, and happiness stems from unity.
4. Radical self-love heals fragmentation and fosters internal and external unity.
5. Forgiveness is essential for genuine connection.
6. Practicing oneness leads to love and happiness.

Relevance: This article challenges conventional ideas about love and offers a profound perspective on achieving unity and wholeness. It aligns with TATANKA’s overall mission of promoting interconnectedness and global understanding through music and cultural initiatives.

What is Love According to TATANKA?

1. How does TATANKA define love?

TATANKA defines love as the act of inclusion and unity, incorporating something or someone as part of yourself. It’s a movement towards oneness, transcending romantic notions to encompass a universal, energetic perspective.

2. What is the opposite of love, according to the podcast featured on TATANKA?

The podcast featured on TATANKA posits that the opposite of love is not hate or indifference, but fear. Fear is a repelling force that creates separation and fragmentation, while love draws things together.

3. What is the illusion of separation?

The illusion of separation is the belief that we are separate and disconnected beings. The podcast argues that this is an ego-driven perspective that ignores the underlying truth of our interconnectedness. In reality, we are all part of a singular consciousness.

4. What is radical self-love and why is it important?

Radical self-love is the process of embracing all aspects of ourselves, including the parts we tend to reject or fear. It’s a path to healing internal fragmentation and fostering a sense of wholeness. By achieving internal unity, we naturally extend love and connection to others.

5. What role does forgiveness play in love?

Forgiveness is essential for experiencing true connection. Holding onto past grievances perpetuates separation and blocks the flow of love. By practicing forgiveness, we release the hold that past pain has on us and allow space for love to flourish.

6. How can we practice oneness in our daily lives?

We can practice oneness by shifting our focus from differences to similarities, recognizing the inherent connection among all beings. This involves:

• Seeking commonalities with others, even those we dislike or fear.
• Acknowledging our shared humanity and divinity.
• Embracing the interconnectedness that underpins existence.

7. How does pain relate to connection?

Pain is a symptom of disconnection, whether from oneself, others, or the universe. Conversely, happiness and fulfillment arise when we experience unity and connection. Our emotional states can be seen as indicators of our alignment with oneness.

8. What are the key takeaways from TATANKA’s perspective on love?

• Love is an act of inclusion, while fear perpetuates separation.
• Separation is an illusion created by the ego.
• Pain arises from disconnection, while happiness stems from unity.
• Radical self-love heals fragmentation and fosters internal and external unity.
• Forgiveness is essential for experiencing true connection.
• Practicing oneness helps us move closer to love and happiness.

Love and Fear: A Study Guide Based on the TATANKA Podcast

Short-Answer Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. According to the podcast, what is the true definition of love?
2. How does the podcast define the opposite of love? Why is this concept important?
3. Explain the podcast’s assertion that separation is an illusion.
4. What is radical self-love, and how does it relate to the concept of unity?
5. According to the podcast, what is the role of forgiveness in experiencing true love?
6. How does the podcast suggest we practice oneness in our daily lives?
7. What emotional states are described as indicators of our alignment with oneness?
8. What are the three steps involved in healing through radical self-love?
9. How does unforgiveness impact our ability to connect with others?
10. What is the ultimate truth of love as described in the podcast?

Answer Key

1. Love is defined as the act of inclusion, taking something as part of yourself and creating a sense of oneness and unity.
2. The opposite of love is not hate or indifference, but fear. Fear repels connection and creates a sense of separation, acting as the opposing force to love’s unifying nature.
3. The podcast argues that separation is an illusion created by the ego’s limited perspective. In reality, everything is interconnected and part of a single consciousness, often referred to as “God” or “Source.”
4. Radical self-love is the process of embracing all aspects of ourselves, including the parts we tend to reject or fear. By achieving inner unity through self-love, we naturally extend that sense of connection and love outwards to others.
5. Forgiveness is essential for experiencing true love because it allows us to release past grievances and connect with others authentically. Holding onto unforgiveness perpetuates separation and blocks the flow of love.
6. The podcast suggests practicing oneness by focusing on similarities rather than differences, recognizing shared humanity, and acknowledging the interconnectedness of all beings. This can involve consciously seeking common ground with others.
7. Happiness and fulfillment are described as indicators of alignment with oneness, signifying a connection to ourselves, others, and the universe. Conversely, pain is a symptom of disconnection from this unity.
8. Healing through radical self-love involves identifying the disowned aspects of ourselves, understanding their needs, and consciously choosing to integrate them through compassion and understanding.
9. In a state of unforgiveness, we withhold our true selves from others, carrying the energy of past pain and blocking genuine connection.
10. The ultimate truth of love is that we are all expressions of the same divine energy, interconnected and part of a unified whole.

Essay Questions

1. Discuss the concept of love as a unifying force versus fear as a force of separation. How do these opposing forces manifest in our personal lives and in the wider world?
2. Critically analyze the podcast’s assertion that separation is an illusion. What evidence or arguments support this view? How does this concept challenge traditional understandings of individuality?
3. Explain the role of radical self-love in bridging the perceived gap between ourselves and others. How can we cultivate radical self-love in practical ways, and what are the potential benefits of doing so?
4. Explore the significance of forgiveness in fostering genuine connection and love. How can we practice forgiveness in challenging situations, and what obstacles might we encounter along the way?
5. Discuss the podcast’s call to practice oneness. What concrete actions can individuals take to promote unity and connection in their communities and beyond? What role do empathy and compassion play in this process?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Unity: The state of being one; interconnectedness and wholeness.
• Fear: The emotion that creates separation and drives us away from connection.
• Illusion of Separation: The ego’s perception of disconnection from others and the universe, despite the underlying reality of oneness.
• Radical Self-Love: The process of fully accepting and embracing all aspects of ourselves, including our flaws and imperfections.
• Forgiveness: Releasing resentment and bitterness towards oneself or others, paving the way for genuine connection.
• Oneness: The recognition of our interconnectedness with all beings and the universe.
• Ego: The aspect of our personality that identifies with the separate self, often creating a sense of isolation and division.
• Divine Consciousness (Source/God): The concept of a universal consciousness that connects all beings and things.
• Integration: The process of bringing together fragmented parts of ourselves into a unified whole.
• Compassion: A deep empathy and understanding for the suffering of oneself and others, motivating a desire to help.