Chapter 1: The Blessing Dance

The initial steps of the Blessing Dance include:

1. Bowing to one another.
2. Placing hands over each other's hearts while locking eyes, breathing together ten times.
3. Chanting, "You are my beloved. I open my heart to you."

Following this, engage in another five breaths while maintaining hand placement over each other's hearts.

Recently, I delved into relationship dynamics and was intrigued by the idea of three distinct levels of relationships:

1. Self-focused: Each individual prioritizes their own needs.
2. Transactional: "I’ll do for you if you do for me."
3. Unconditional giving: This involves offering love freely, without keeping score.

It's crucial to recognize that giving to the wrong person—someone who merely takes—can lead to emotional depletion. This emphasizes the need for trust in your judgment and clarity in your choices.

"Don't put your faith in people, Steve. Instead, understand that they will act according to their own interests. It’s your responsibility to discern what those interests are."

Thus, to give wholeheartedly, you must be prepared to accept the consequences. The worst-case scenario involves giving to a taker, so it’s vital to ensure you can weather that storm. You should have confidence that any experience, regardless of the other person's response, will contribute to your growth.

This clarity revolves around your own well-being and the assurance that you can navigate life with both strength and vulnerability—regardless of external circumstances.

Let’s explore this further. I’m contemplating a 90-day "love diet," a "Summer of Love," if you will. This commitment would entail immersing myself in love and giving wholeheartedly, not just to Tananarive, but also to Jason, Nicki, and the broader world.

To embark on this journey, I must trust myself completely. I cannot let the fear of being exploited hinder my intentions. In fact, I envision that dedicating three months to this mindset would enhance my Three Gates (significantly increasing my kindness) and ignite my Three Centers (especially my heart center).

Consider the potential downsides. Yes, fear exists. Am I prepared to lower my defenses entirely? Perhaps the time has come to do so. My previous fears stem from genuine experiences, but I must ask: Do I trust myself to advocate for my own heart? The answer is a resounding yes.

So, what outcomes can I anticipate by approaching life from a place of strength while fully opening my heart and prioritizing love?

This moment feels particularly opportune. We are likely to face significant career stress soon—stress that is ultimately positive, yet still demanding. What if I wake up each day, live fully, and retire each night with the intention of making Tananarive feel cherished?

The impact would be profound. It could even challenge my ego, which is understandably daunting. Is my past trauma what keeps me from this level of vulnerability?

We often construct ego defenses to shield us, define who we are, and ensure our survival—especially during stressful situations and interactions with others. However, the ego is not the essence of who I truly am. The observer within me is closer to my true self, yet even that is not the entirety of my being.

By shifting my focus away from myself and directing it entirely toward Tananarive and my family—pouring all my love into them for 90 days, creating a "Summer of Love"—I can allow my authentic self to emerge, free from the need to monitor or define my identity.

It’s important to note that she, too, is her own person. When a giver loves another giver, it creates space for them both to thrive and reciprocate love freely. This dynamic may liberate us individually and collectively. We face a complex tapestry of personal, relational, and societal issues, including the multi-generational scars our families have endured throughout history.

What if we could heal all these levels—personal, interpersonal, and social? The historical?

I don't possess the answers. But I know that to discover them, I must be absolutely certain of my ability to protect and nurture myself. I must engage with honor and maintain my dignity. If I am confident in this—and that no external force can strip it away—then I can open my heart more deeply than ever before and perhaps even break free from chains that were forged long before my time.

My heart is drawn to this challenge: Ninety Days. A Summer of Love.

I’m on the brink. Knowing myself, I’m likely to embrace this journey. What an exhilarating thought!

Life is either a thrilling adventure…or nothing at all.

Namaste

Steve

www.stevenbarneslist.com

Chapter 2: Embracing Love Through Music

The first video, "Shawn Mendes, Tainy - Summer Of Love (Official Music Video)," encapsulates the essence of love and connection.

This captivating visual experience invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of romantic relationships and the joy that love brings into our lives.

The second video, "Shawn Mendes - Summer Of Love (Official Acoustic Video)," offers a stripped-back interpretation of the original, highlighting the emotional depth of love through music.

This acoustic rendition allows listeners to immerse themselves in the heartfelt lyrics and melodies that resonate with the theme of love and vulnerability.