What is Love?
Love is that elusive emotion that we try so hard to chase and explicate until it becomes a burdensome aspiration that leaves us feeling bewildered and deprived. But it doesn't have to be that way.
The best way to define love is to look to the mythological goddess Aphrodite for guidance. Aphrodite (also known as Venus) is the goddess of love, beauty and pleasure, and there is a reason why our ancient ancestors credited all three of these attributes to one feminine entity.
Love, beauty and pleasure are the trinity of balance and harmony. They do not need to be pursued, only embraced. They need not perplex you, as they are innate elements of the human psyche.
To love and feel loved, you merely need to cultivate your natural ability to see the good in things and create space to indulge in them. In fact, love is more an act than an emotion. Your thoughts, decisions and habits are able to usher love in — the goddess is simply waiting for an invitation.
Changing the way you perceive love makes all the difference. Instead of asking "where can I find love" ask yourself "how might I more intentionally express love in each area of my life"?
Read
The Illusion of Love published by Scientific American discusses the neuroscience behind the emotion of love and why our brains are so obsessed with it.
The Course of Love by philosopher and author Alain de Botton is a novel that explores love "as a skill not an enthusiasm" and illustrates how it can be refined to survive and thrive over time.
The Eros Issue by Lapham's Quarterly is a collection of stories curated from the past 4,000 years that survey love, sex and desire.
The Art of Loving is a classic book by renowned psychoanalyst Erich Fromm that investigates love and all its many facets.
All About Love by author and activist Bell Hooks is a personal thesis on modern romantic love and why we should change the way we think about it.
Venus and Aphrodite by historian Bettany Hughes uses art, archeology and mythology to tell the story of the immortal goddess of love.
How to Love Your Body, published by Psyche, is a comprehensive guide on how to be more comfortable in your own skin.
Rumi: The Book of Love, curated and translated by poet poet Coleman Banks, is a compilation of inspiring poems about love by the ancient Sufi mystic.
The Poetry Foundation curated a selection of classic and contemporary poems all about love.
Folio Society designed a beautiful hardcover edition of De Profundis, a passionate love letter written by Oscar Wilde.
Explore
Symthson's Live Love Laugh leather notebooks are a perfectly portable set of luxe pages to muse about your simple pleasures and acts of self love.
Redoute Book of Flowers is an elegant hardcover collection of botanical illustrations by the French flower painter Pierre-Joseph Redouté, and would make an excellent coffee table gift for an aesthetic-driven loved one.
If love had a signature scent it would smell like Baiser Volé Eau de Parfum by Cartier.
For a romantic retreat or solo getaway explore Korakia, a gorgeous mediterranean style resort in Palm Springs.
This roundup of romantic movies by Harpers Bazaar will get you in the mood for love.
Roses are the flowers of love and these exquisite bouquets by Venus ET Fleur are the most luxe arrangements you will find.
Brandy’s platinum album Full Moon was the quintessential R&B love compilation for Millennials.
The Birth of Venus is a painting by Italian artist Sandro Botticelli, and depicts the goddess of love arriving at the shore after her birth. It is on display at Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
For a daily reminder of body love and positivity, display this watercolor Figure print, by artist Inslee Fariss, in your home or office.
Listen to a collection of timeless love songs with this playlist curated by Spotify.
Morganite is a beautifully hued gem that represents healing, compassion, and unconditional love. Wearing this Morganite and Diamond Pendant by David Yurman is a lovely way to channel its energy.
