If you do not know how to take care of yourself, and the violence in you, then you will not be able to take care of others. You must have love and patience before you can truly listen to your partner or child. If you are irritated you cannot listen. You have to know how to breath mindfully, embrace your irritation and transform it. Offer ONLY understand and compassion to your partner or child - This is the true practice of love.
Nhat HanhReal love means loving kindness and compassion, the kind of love that does not have any conditions.
Nhat HanhGuarding knowledge is not a good way to understand. Understanding means to throw away your knowledge.
Nhat HanhWe will not just say, "I love him very much," but instead, "I will do something so that he will suffer less." The mind of compassion is truly present when it is effective in removing another person's suffering.
Nhat Hanh