Audre Lorde: 'Each time you love, love as deeply as if it were forever.'

Each time you love, love as deeply as if it were forever.

Audre Lorde, the influential poet, once said, 'Each time you love, love as deeply as if it were forever.' This quote conveys the profound message that every act of love should be approached with utmost depth and sincerity, as if it has the potential to last for an eternity. At first glance, it is a simple reminder to invest fully in our relationships, cherishing and nurturing them with all our hearts. However, beneath its apparent straightforwardness lies a captivating philosophical concept that can further illuminate the significance of this powerful statement.The idea of loving as if it were forever resonates deeply with the philosophy of existentialism. According to this philosophical perspective, our existence is defined by our actions and the choices we make. Similarly, love is not merely an abstract emotion, but a conscious decision to invest our energy and devotion into another person. Each time we choose to love, we are making a commitment to infuse our relationships with sincerity and depth, regardless of their duration or outcome.In contrast to existentialism, the concept of impermanence, rooted in Buddhist philosophy, challenges the notion of permanence in relationships. Buddhism teaches us that attachment to the idea of forever or clinging to the desire for eternal love can lead to suffering. All things, including relationships, are subject to change and dissolution. Instead of seeking eternal love, Buddhism encourages us to embrace impermanence and find contentment in the fleeting moments of love and connection that life offers.While these two philosophical concepts may seem contradictory, they can coexist harmoniously within the context of Audre Lorde's quote. The idea of loving as if it were forever reminds us to fully invest ourselves in every relationship, appreciating and valuing the present moment without clinging to the illusion of permanence. It encourages us to love deeply, not only in the expectation of forever but also in embracing the impermanence that life inherently brings.By loving deeply with the understanding of impermanence, we can cultivate a sense of presence and gratitude in our relationships. We become aware of the preciousness of each moment, cherishing the time we have with our loved ones without taking them for granted. Consequently, we can navigate the delicate balance between fully investing in our relationships and accepting the unpredictable nature of life.Audre Lorde's quote invites us to transcend the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary within our relationships. It urges us to view love as a conscious choice, an ongoing commitment to give our all, even without the guarantee of forever. When we approach love with this depth, we create a fertile ground for personal growth, intimate connections, and transformative experiences.In conclusion, Audre Lorde's quote, 'Each time you love, love as deeply as if it were forever,' captures the essence of profound love and commitment. It encompasses the duality of existentialism and the impermanence of Buddhist philosophy, urging us to embrace the impermanent nature of relationships while investing our hearts sincerely and deeply in the present moment. This mindset allows us to navigate the delicate balance between cherishing the depth of love without clinging to the illusion of forever, creating space for personal growth, connection, and transformation in our lives. So, let us remember Lorde's wise words and embark on our personal journeys of loving deeply, aware of the beauty in both the temporary and the eternal.