Choosing Love, despite it all

In this world filled with desolation, constant wars, the looming threat of nuclear disaster, growing poverty, and endless rebellions — all signs of the evil that seems to keep dominating this Earth strongly— I often find myself reflecting deeply. I ask myself: why go on in a world like this? Why come to this place at all?

And yet, in this harsh school of life, I’ve tried to do my best. It has been through pain, through negative people, through darkness and destructive experiences, that I’ve learned and grown the most. Suffering has shaped me, like gold tested in fire, slowly refining who I am.

Still, there are moments when I feel like giving up. But then, something stirs within me. I look beyond the negativity, and I see that even through it, I’ve been growing. I turn my gaze toward God and His Celestial Hosts, and I remember that there is a deeper reason for being here. We are not here by accident. We are here to seek the Divine, to build meaningful connections, and to fulfill both individual and collective missions, even when those missions are hard to understand.

And then I remember a powerful truth: every femtosecond, every tiny instant of our lives, is precious. As Seneca once said, time is the most valuable thing we have. Within that fleeting time, I have the freedom to choose. And I do choose Love. I choose to Love freely, to give Love and receive It.

Every soul and spirit I encounter has the potential to become part of my journey, sometimes through pain, but also through joy and connection. Focusing on the positive, I realise that what truly keeps me going is the hope of meeting new, special souls. Even for a moment. Forever. To share a piece of my heart with theirs. To form a bond. To help them. To share my love, my peace, my wisdom and my knowledge. To become, all together, part of a Unique Big Universal Family.

This is what gives meaning to it all.

The Power of Forgiveness

Sometimes, the people who hurt us the most are actually the ones who help us grow the most. Of course, it doesn’t feel like that at first. Pain, betrayal, or disappointment can make us feel broken. However, if we take a step back and look deeper, we can realize something powerful: these experiences can help us rise higher. They can help us become stronger, wiser, and more connected to our spiritual selves.

In fact, negative people are often spiritually blind. They live in darkness and act from a place of pain, fear, or ignorance. Their actions may try to bring us down, but we don’t have to follow them into that darkness. Instead, we can choose to act differently. We can learn from what they did and make sure we never become like them. This is one of the greatest ways we grow, by choosing the Light, even when others try to pull us into the dark.

Besides, forgiving someone doesn’t mean we have to stay close to them, especially if they persist in the wrong path. It doesn’t mean we have to trust them again or give them more chances to hurt us. Forgiveness is something we do for ourselves, to let go of anger and free our hearts. After all, we are all brothers and sisters in the name of Love, who is God. However, we can forgive and still protect our inner and outer peace, by creating distance. Sometimes, stepping back from someone is not about hate, but about healing. Keeping distance doesn't mean we haven't forgiven; it means we’ve learned. It means we care enough about ourselves to not let the same pain repeat. Forgiveness is not about staying close to people who continue to hurt us. It’s about freeing our heart, while also choosing what’s healthy and safe for us.

Then, if those people change, it's our choice to decide what to do. We’re not forced to welcome them back into our lives. Being fair and just also means being wise with how we spend our time, that is precious, and we must use it wisely. So, there are people who have always treated us with love and kindness; these deserve more of our time and attention than those who caused us harm, even if the harmful ones now would like to make things right.

In the end, life on Earth is short. We are here to grow, to love, to shine. And sometimes, it’s the hardest moments and the hardest people that help us rise the highest.

Remember to be kind

Remember to be kind to the person in front of you, because you never know what battles they are facing. When we criticise, offend, or hurt someone, we often don’t realise what they might be going through. Some people are very private and prefer to stay silent, not wanting to be a burden. Some are always ready to give and help when others are in need, yet they often find themselves alone when it’s their turn to need support. 

We are all quick to judge, but who are we to do so? No one. No one is perfect in this world; only God is. I have no right to say that my pain is greater than someone else's, because we all feel things differently depending on who we are, what we’ve been through, and our personality. What feels heavy to me may feel different to someone else, and vice versa.

Let’s also stop thinking that good actions aren't important. Like I always say, praying is important (it nourishes the spirit and connects us with God) but without good deeds and the daily practice of Virtues like Altruism, Love, Righteousness, Peace, Harmony, Humility, and so on, we can’t truly grow. Without them, we risk falling into emptiness.

We should try to live with more empathy and self-awareness, learning to feel and recognise the soul and spirit in each person. Every soul is precious, and I am no one to misjudge or destroy it. Let’s be more compassionate toward those who are suffering, whatever form that suffering may take. Let’s give ourselves with Unconditional Love, without expecting anything in return, except perhaps a bit of affection, love, and true, honest friendship.

Let’s be mindful every time we are about to offend, hurt, or tear someone down. Let’s remind ourselves that we are standing before a soul and a spirit, not just a body. And always remember: the Law of Cause and Effect is Universal. The choice is yours.

Embracing the Golden Age of Harmony

In a world where the echoes of past sorrows merge with the hope of a luminous future, the emergence of the New Gentiles charts a path toward a transformative Era of Peace. Born of a legacy marked by both adversity and awakening, these modern bearers of wisdom embody a profound spirituality that transcends boundaries and embraces every facet of human experience. Their inner light is nurtured not by the absence of suffering, but by transforming pain into a wellspring of understanding and resilience.

Among the many luminous examples of this spirit are the diverse peoples of Asia, whose lives stand as testimonies to the power of moral integrity and communal Harmony. The warm-hearted Indonesians, celebrated for their deep sense of community and unyielding hospitality, radiate an inviting spirit that unites hearts across vast distances. Their vibrant cultural heritage is enriched by traditions like gotong royong—a communal philosophy of mutual aid and solidarity—that weaves together families, neighbors, and communities in joyful collaboration. In every smile and every gracious gesture, the Indonesian soul reveals an enduring connection to nature, art, and spirituality, embodying a warmth that lights even the darkest of days.

The Kyrgyz, with their marvellous rich nomadic heritage and enduring warmth, captivate with a heartfelt generosity that transforms every encounter into a celebration of life. Their gracious nature, honed by their fabulous natural landscapes and ancestral wisdom, reflects a deep, abiding kindness that soothes and inspires all who meet them. In Thailand, gentle grace and sincere kindness weave a tapestry of respect and compassion in everyday interactions, fostering an environment where differences are embraced and dialogue triumphs over discord. The peoples of Burma and Vietnam, having weathered historical storms, now shine with a resolute spirit that turns past sorrows into beacons of hope and renewal. Similarly, the Laotians and Cambodians have discovered in shared adversity the seeds of rebirth, nurturing a profound connection with nature and the eternal cycle of life. Meanwhile, the Chinese, with their heritage steeped in ancient philosophy and timeless art, continue to offer insights into balance, self-cultivation, and the harmonious interplay between humanity and the cosmos.

It is through these luminous virtues—civic responsibility, patience, and an unwavering commitment to Peace and to Love—that the New Gentiles illuminate a future defined not by conflict, but by Love and Solidarity. In every act of kindness and every gentle word exchanged, the truth emerges that suffering, when embraced with humility and courage, can give rise to spiritual enlightenment and collective Harmony.

In conclusion, the radiant legacy of the New Gentiles—reflected in the diverse cultural tapestries of Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, China, and beyond—heralds the dawn of an era where inner peace and spiritual awakening become the cornerstones of a new, enlightened world. Their journey, marked by resilience and nurtured by the transformative power of compassion, inspires us to envision a future where a Golden Age of Peace, Unity and Hope unfolds, inviting all to share in the profound beauty of a life lived in Harmony.

The Invisible Power of True Connection

True friendships—those built on the foundations of Love, Peace, Integrity, and Loyalty—create connections that defy explanation. In such relationships, there seems to emerge a bond so profound that words often become unnecessary. It’s as though the energy exchanged between two people begins to transcend the physical, evolving into a subtle yet undeniable form of understanding. Could it be telepathy? Or perhaps the synchronization of two souls resonating at the same frequency? Whatever it is, it hints at the untapped potential of human connection.

Now imagine a scenario where the world is plunged into sudden darkness—no devices, no internet, no means of instant communication. Most of us would feel disoriented, even lost, without the tools that tether us to others. But what if we had cultivated a deeper, more intuitive form of communication with the people closest to us? This ability to “sense” each other’s thoughts, needs, or emotions could be nothing short of miraculous. Such a skill might seem mystical, but some scientific studies suggest that humans are capable of a form of subconscious connection.

Neuroscientists exploring the concept of “empathic resonance” have found that close relationships can lead to the synchronization of brainwaves, allowing for a deeper mutual understanding. Similarly, the phenomenon of “mirror neurons” provides evidence that our brains are hardwired to reflect and even predict the emotions and intentions of others. While these studies don’t fully explain what some might call telepathy, they reveal that human relationships have a profound capacity for connection that often goes unnoticed.

If we were to actively nurture such abilities—listening with our hearts, observing without judgment, and attuning ourselves to the silent language of emotion—we might discover that we are far more connected than technology has ever allowed us to be. In a world where silence reigns, this intuitive bond could bring hope, comfort, and guidance, showing us that we are never truly alone. It would be a testament to the Divine Beauty of human relationships: that when grounded in Truth and Love, they have the power to illuminate even the darkest of times.

Perhaps the greatest lesson is that this potential already exists within us. The question is whether we will take the time to develop it, so that in moments of uncertainty, we can find strength in the invisible threads that unite us.

Cicero’s vision of Friendship: A bond forged by Virtue and Loyalty

Friendship stands as one of the most profound and essential aspects of human life. According to Cicero in Laelius de Amicitia, friendship is not a product of mere convenience but a reflection of shared virtue and moral excellence. It is, as Cicero describes, “a relation absolutely indispensable” to the human experience (86). Through his dialogue, Cicero delineates the principles, challenges, and transcendent nature of true friendship, offering insights that resonate across centuries.

Friendship and Honor: The First Law

Cicero establishes honor as the cornerstone of true friendship. He argues, “Ask of friends only what is honorable; do for friends only what is honorable and without even waiting to be asked” (44). In this ideal, there is no place for deceit or dishonor. A genuine friend does not demand wrongful acts nor succumbs to ignoble requests. Instead, friends inspire each other to act with integrity, exemplifying moral courage even in difficult times.

Cicero emphasizes that loyalty and honesty are paramount. True friendship, he asserts, “cannot exist except among good men” (65). Such friendships are forged on the shared pursuit of virtue, where trust and mutual respect are never compromised.

The role of Virtue in Friendship

At the heart of Cicero’s philosophy is the belief that virtue creates and sustains true friendship. He writes, “Virtue, I say, both creates the bond of friendship and preserves it” (100). Virtue fosters harmony, fidelity, and permanence, enabling friends to support and elevate one another. For Cicero, the joy of friendship lies in its intrinsic value rather than any material benefits it may bring: “It is not the case, therefore, that friendship attends upon advantage, but, on the contrary, that advantage attends upon friendship” (51).

This view challenges the utilitarian notion of friendship as a means to an end. Cicero warns that those who see friends as mere tools for personal gain, much like cattle, fail to grasp the true essence of friendship (79). Instead, the purest friendships arise from mutual admiration and love, untouched by selfish motives.

The challenges of Loyalty

Loyalty is a recurring theme in Cicero’s discourse, as he considers it the bedrock of steadfast friendships. He observes, “Most men are convicted of fickleness: they either hold a friend of little value when their own affairs are prosperous, or they abandon him when his are adverse” (64). In adversity, the faithful friend proves their worth, while the unfaithful one reveals their true character.

Cicero extols unwavering loyalty as a divine quality, stating, “Whoever … has shown himself staunch, immovable, and firm in friendship ought to be considered to belong to that class of men which is exceedingly rare — aye, almost divine” (64).

To nurture loyalty, Cicero advises against suspicion and gossip, warning, “A friend must neither take pleasure in bringing charges against you nor believe them when made by others” (65). Loyalty is further strengthened by transparency, kindness, and shared understanding.

Old friendships and new bonds

While Cicero celebrates the value of long-standing friendships, comparing them to well-aged wine, he also recognizes the potential in new relationships. He states, “The oldest friendships ought to be the most delightful” but adds, “New friendships are not to be scorned if they offer hope of bearing fruit” (67-68).

Nevertheless, he cautions against abandoning the richness of old bonds for the allure of novelty. Habit and time deepen the connection between friends, making older friendships particularly resilient and rewarding.

Honest advice: The pillar of Friendship

One of the defining characteristics of true friendship, according to Cicero, is the ability to give and receive honest advice. He asserts, “It is characteristic of true friendship both to give and to receive advice … to give it with all freedom of speech, but without harshness, and to receive it patiently, but without resentment” (91).

Cicero warns against flattery, which he brands as the vice of insincere and fickle individuals: “Flattery … deserves to be branded as a vice peculiar to fickle and false-hearted men who say everything with a view to pleasure and nothing with a view to truth” (91). While candor may occasionally lead to discomfort, it ensures the integrity of the friendship.

The Universal Need for Friendship

For Cicero, friendship fulfills a profound and universal human need. He writes, “Nature, loving nothing solitary, always strives for some sort of support, and man’s best support is a very dear friend” (88). Friendship enriches every aspect of life, offering companionship and solace even in the most challenging circumstances.

Reflecting on human nature, Cicero asserts that even the most isolated individuals, like the misanthropic Timon of Athens, require someone to share their thoughts and emotions. He illustrates this point with a vivid metaphor: “If a man should ascend alone into heaven and behold clearly the structure of the universe … there would be no pleasure for him in the awe-inspiring sight, which would have filled him with delight if he had had someone to whom he could describe what he had seen” (88).

Conclusion: Friendship as a Divine Connection

In Cicero’s vision, friendship is more than a relationship—it is a reflection of humanity’s highest virtues. He concludes, “Love is nothing other than the great esteem and affection felt for him who inspires that sentiment, and it is not sought because of material need or for the sake of material gain” (100).

True friendship, forged in virtue and sustained by loyalty, is both a gift and a responsibility. It is an enduring bond that enriches the soul, elevates the spirit, and brings profound joy to life. As Cicero eloquently states, “Without friendship, life is no life at all” (86).

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References:

Cicero. Laelius De Amicitia. Published in the Loeb Classical Library, 1923.