The Only Love Project is an interfaith, inter-spiritual, non-denominational, all-are-welcome bunch of people from all walks of life whose only point of connection is love -- for ourselves and for our communities. Because we are only responsible for ourselves, and those within our circle of influence. We may not be able to make someone smile in a war-torn country. But we can make our neighbor smile
. The power of The Only Love Project is that doesn’t require any of us to be wealthy. We don’t need government grants, rich uncles, a silver-spoon upbringing, or a winning lottery ticket before we begin. We can begin right now, with what we have — even if what we have is nothing other than a desire to make a difference. When we share love with those closest to us, the love radiates outward. They influence those closest to them. And so on. Eventually, the war-torn country we desperately wanted to change does change when people in it see what's happening here, with us. Where does it start? Right here, on Facebook. It starts with not creating opposites, not bifurcating reality, by not taking a hard stand that excludes all those who don't share our opinions. It's okay to have opinions. But don't let them become dogmatism that becomes anger, even violence. Love doesn't create wars. Ideologies do. If you must express an opinion, do so respectfully, humbly, and gently. Then back away. Don't defend yourself. Let it be. The Only Love Project starts by keeping our Facebook posts loving and kind. By refraining from arguing. By uplifting and encourage. Seeking the good in others. From there...
..who knows? The Only Love Project starts by keeping only-love mind. Whatever happens after that is part of the fun. Our MISSION:
* Keep “only-love mind” individually so that it manifests corporately
* Engage our community, one person at a time, with helping hands and open hearts
* Transcend real or imagined barriers of age, religion, race, gender, and economic status, to help create true community
* Resist the urge to interact only with others similar to ourselves
* Empower others to align with our Vision
Our VISION:
“Our vision is a community supported and continually improved by consistent and tangible application of Equanimity, Loving-kindness, Compassion, and Joy.”
Our VALUES:
“Our values are Equanimity, Loving-kindness, Compassion, and Joy.”
INSPIRATIONAL TEXTS:
"In this world
Hate never yet dispelled hate. Only love dispels hate. This is the law,
Ancient and inexhaustible."
- The Dhammapada,
Thomas Byrom translation
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- John 13:34-35, ESV
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
― Mother Teresa
"Compassion, love, and altruism are not just religious qualities. As human beings, and even as animals, we need compassion and affection to develop, sustain ourselves, and survive."
- The Dalai Lama
"One compassionate word, action, or thought can reduce another person's suffering and bring him joy. One word can give comfort and confidence, destroy doubt, help someone avoid a mistake, reconcile a conflict, or open the door to liberation. One action can save a person's life or help him take advantage of a rare opportunity. One thought can do the same, because thoughts always lead to words and actions. With compassion in our heart, every thought, word, and deed can bring about a miracle."
- Thich Nhat Hanh
Teachings On Love
"Let all people return to their true nature. Love, kindness, wisdom, family harmony, and loyalty
should not be taught one by one,
separately from an honest life. Then, once again,
people will regain the natural virtues of wholeness. The world will be naturally ordered. There will be no one who singly and cunningly
works for personal interesting alone."
- Lao Tzu,
Hua-Ching translation
"They are dear to me who run not after the pleasant
Or away from the painful, grieve not
Over the past, lust not today,
But let things come and go as they happen. Who serve both friend and foe with equal love,
Not buoyed up by praise or cast down by blame,
Alike in heat and cold, pleasure and pain,
Free from selfish attachments and self-will,
Ever full, in harmony everywhere,
Firm in faith – such as these are dear to me."
- The Bhagavad Gita,
Eknath Easwaran translation
"I have just three things to teach:
simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and in thoughts,
you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world."
- Tao Te Ching,
Stephen Mitchell translation
"Love wins."
- Rob Bell
