Love...there are only two kinds ~ conditional or unconditional. Which do you give? Which do you receive?

Think of the people close to you. Make a list, this can include friends, children, parents, spouses, boy/girl friends, co-works and anyone else you can think of. Now make two columns, one for "I give" and the other "I receive".

Now be honest with yourself, for this is for your eyes only. In each column, next to each person you listed, mark either a "C" for conditional love, the kind of love that you or someone places demands on in order to receive love.

Or "U" for unconditional love, the kind of love that is free, no strings attached, the kind where you can mess up and you know deep down that the person continues to love you. Here is an example of a few of mine...

NAME	I  GIVE	I  RECEIVE
Micheal	U	U
Kelly	U	U
Lynda	U	U
Stephen	U	C
Dad	U	U
Ann	U	C
Mary	U	C

Be really honest in both columns. If you don't give unconditional love, examine why you don't; is it to a particular person and if so why only to that person, what is it about them that makes you feel they have to meet certain conditions before you will love them.

If you don't receive unconditional love, why not, from whom are you not receiving? Why do you think it is okay for you to keep this relationship? What purpose is it serving? (a lesson perhaps/a chance for you to grow?) Can you say they truly care for you if the only way to receive their love is by what conditions they demand you meet?

Sometimes for growth to occur we need to take a very close look at where we are, take a moment to digest, then pull up our boot straps and get back to work. Sometimes we need to cut out the people who are not serving our best interest. If someone is placing demands on you and you have to meet them before they will love you, then they truly don't love you.

Love is free. Sometimes you may still have to deal with the person who is giving you conditional love; that is okay, as long as you are aware. Awareness is needed; awareness is important in yogic posture, with your breathing and awareness is golden in your everyday life and with your dealings with others. Now, it looks as if I have some work to do myself.