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.

Awakening the Divine Spark: Humanity’s journey toward Truth and Unity

Humanity has long grappled with the nature of existence, oscillating between blaming external forces and recognizing its capacity to influence and transform the world. The cascading effects of corruption, environmental destruction, and the proliferation of hate illustrate how our choices reverberate across the fabric of life. Such consequences underscore the immutable Law of Cause and Effect, a reminder that our actions shape not only the physical world but also the collective soul of humanity. Yet, beneath this tumult lies a profound truth: we are not mere bodies bound to earthly desires, but complex beings comprised of body, soul, and spirit.

The physical form, while transient in this earthly dimension, is a sacred vessel for the eternal essence within. To elevate spiritually, we must transcend the shackles of materialism, greed, and divisiveness. Furthermore, philosophers from Plato to Seneca, and even Giordano Bruno, have illuminated this path, urging us to cultivate Virtues such as Love, Justice, and Humility. Bruno, in his defiance of oppressive powers, envisioned humanity as capable of awakening from the slumber of ignorance. He believed that through self-discovery and alignment with the Divine Principles, we could transform this "harsh school" of earthly life into a springboard for spiritual elevation.

The last dialogue between Bruno and his disciple Sagredo, as recounted in historical and philosophical reflections, reveals an unyielding faith in humanity's potential. Bruno’s martyrdom, embraced as a conscious choice, symbolizes the transformative power of suffering when guided by higher purpose. He posited that all beings, even those who perpetrate injustice, are fragments of the Divine Whole. This unity, obscured by fear and ignorance, is a beacon calling us to awaken to our true nature.

One of Giordano Bruno’s pivotal declarations was: "Man has no limits, and when one day he realizes it, he will be free even in this world." This assertion encapsulates his vision of human potential—an infinite capacity for growth, creativity, and transcendence. It challenges us to see beyond the constraints of material existence and recognize the boundless power within. Such realization, Bruno believed, would lead to liberation from the illusions of fear and separation, typical of the corruptible earthly dimension.

Moreover, Bruno proclaimed: "The Being does not fear death, because it knows well that it does not exist." These words speak to the eternal nature of our essence. Death, as perceived in the physical realm, is but a transition, a shedding of the transient form to embrace the infinite. This perspective reframes suffering and mortality as steps in a grand journey toward unity with the Divine.

His notion that we choose our earthly existence, veiled by the amnesia of incarnation, suggests a deeper purpose behind life’s trials. As the philosopher asserted, suffering is not an arbitrary affliction but a catalyst for growth. The fire that consumed his physical body was, in his words, a "baptism of fire," a purification leading to greater understanding and alignment with the Divine. Such perspectives invite us to reconsider our hardships, not as punishments but as opportunities to reconnect with the Infinite.

Throughout history, enlightened figures, like Socrates, Leonardo, and countless unnamed souls, have sown seeds of Wisdom and Transformation. Their message is clear: the journey toward Truth requires creating a Union among all inhabitants of Earth, as One Big Terrestrial Family, by embracing Virtues like Love, Peace, Order, Righteousness, and Justice. This Unity, guided by the Divine Messengers—Angels and Saints who bask in higher Beatitudes—prepares us for a Universal Alliance with all beings of the Cosmos. However, above all entities, the Union with God remains paramount.

Therefore, Giordano Bruno’s final conversation with Sagredo, as recounted in Giuliana Conforto’s La Futura Scienza di Giordano Bruno e la Nascita dell’Uomo Nuovo (The Future Science of Giordano Bruno and the Birth of the New Man), highlights his unwavering faith in a new dawn for humanity. "One day," the philosopher said, "humanity will awaken from oblivion and finally understand who it truly is and to whom it has surrendered the reins of its existence—a fallacious, deceptive mind that enslaves and blinds them." These words challenge us to confront the illusions of power and control that dominate human society and to reclaim our Divine Heritage.

Bruno’s vision extends beyond personal awakening to encompass the entirety of creation. "We are children of the one true sun that illuminates all worlds," he proclaimed, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the Cosmos. His martyrdom, embraced with full consciousness, was not an end but a seed planted in the soil of history. "Even those who perpetrate injustice," he said, "are part of the One. My death will serve to reveal the true power, occult and hidden behind all institutions and powers of this world."

The ultimate revelation lies in understanding that the Divine Spark resides within each of us. This realization transcends temporal suffering and leads to a profound connection with the Eternal. To awaken to this Truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but a call to action. It demands that we recognize the illusions of fear and separation and we fulfill the purpose of existence: to illuminate the infinite and to stand united as reflections of the one True Source.

The journey is arduous, but the reward is unparalleled. By awakening the Divine Spark within, we reclaim our birthright and pave the way for a New Era of Peace, of Universal Harmony. In this realization, the words of Giordano Bruno echo through time, urging us to rise beyond illusion and embrace our infinite potential toward the Divine Truth.

 

 

References:

Conforto, Giuliana. La Futura Scienza di Giordano Bruno e la Nascita dell’Uomo Nuovo (The Future Science of Giordano Bruno and the Birth of the New Man).

The Transformative Power of Suffering

 

Suffering often strikes as an unwelcome guest, testing the limits of human endurance and shaking our resolve. Yet, Seneca, in De Providentia, reframes suffering as an essential ingredient for personal and spiritual growth. His Stoic perspective portrays adversity not as punishment but as a divine opportunity to cultivate resilience, virtue, and freedom. Paired with the wisdom of Christian teachings, Seneca’s insights highlight the transformative power of hardship in shaping a life of purpose and strength.

Suffering as the Forge of Virtue

Seneca asserts that "Valor withers without adversity" (Marcet sine adversario virtus, 2.4), a pithy declaration that encapsulates the Stoic conviction: virtue grows only through struggle. Without resistance, strength fades into complacency, and the soul becomes stagnant. Seneca continues, likening life’s challenges to the trials faced by the finest soldiers: "Why does God afflict the best of men? Because in the army the most hazardous services are assigned to the bravest soldiers." (De Providentia, 4.8). Here, adversity is elevated to an act of divine trust. God, like a general, selects the strongest for the most demanding missions, recognizing their capacity to endure and overcome.

Moreover, the imagery of fire emerges frequently in De Providentia, symbolizing both purification and the tempering of strength: "Fire tries gold, misfortune tries brave men" (Ignis aurum probat, miseria fortes viros, 5.9). Thus, suffering becomes a forge in which human character is refined, burning away weaknesses and impurities, leaving behind a resilient and virtuous individual. In Seneca’s view, to avoid suffering is to avoid growth—a stagnation that robs life of its purpose.

Struggle as Divine Favor

In a provocative reversal of common perceptions, Seneca suggests that suffering is not a curse but a sign of divine favor: "Toward good men God has the mind of a father; he cherishes for them a manly love and says, 'Let them be harassed by toil, by suffering, by losses, in order that they may gather true strength.'" (De Providentia, 2.6). Here, adversity is framed as a divine training ground. Like a father disciplining his children or a general testing his soldiers, God challenges the virtuous to strengthen their fortitude.

Furthermore, Seneca contrasts the frailty of those who avoid struggle with the resilience of those who embrace it: "Unimpaired prosperity cannot withstand a single blow; but he who has struggled constantly with his ills becomes hardened through suffering; and yields to no misfortune." (De Providentia, 2.6). Prosperity, though desirable, risks making the soul weak and unprepared for life’s inevitable hardships. In contrast, the soul tempered by adversity develops a strength that enables it to stand firm, even amidst the fiercest storms.

Christian Parallels: From Sorrow to Eternal Joy

The teachings of Christ deepen Seneca’s philosophy, framing suffering not only as a trial but as a promise of ultimate joy. In John 16:16-24, Jesus prepares his disciples for his imminent death, acknowledging their impending grief while assuring them of future happiness:

"In a little while, you will see me no more, and then after a little while, you will see me. Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." (John 16:20).

This pattern of sorrow preceding joy mirrors Seneca’s belief in adversity as a path to strength. Jesus uses the metaphor of childbirth to explain this transformation: "A woman giving birth has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world." (John 16:21). Therefore, like the purification of fire in Seneca’s writings, the labor of childbirth transforms pain into a source of profound joy, revealing suffering as a necessary stage in the creation of new life.

In addition, in Christian theology, this process takes on an eternal dimension. As a matter of fact, Jesus assures his disciples: "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." (John 16:22). Unlike the fleeting happiness of the world, the joy born of suffering is unshakable, rooted in the divine promise of resurrection and eternal communion with God.

The Transformative Power of Adversity

Both Seneca and Christ challenge us to view suffering not as a burden but as a gift. Seneca writes, "Even if [a virtuous man] falls, he still fights upon his knees" (2.6), portraying resilience as the hallmark of true strength. Similarly, Jesus’ call to "take up your cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24) invites believers to embrace trials as a path to salvation. In both traditions, suffering serves as a teacher, shaping the soul into its highest form.

Besides, St. Paul echoes this transformative vision in Romans 5:3-4: "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." The hope born of suffering is not passive but active—a wellspring of inner strength and divine assurance that sustains the soul through life’s darkest hours.

Conclusion

Suffering, as Seneca and Christ both reveal, is not a mark of divine neglect but a profound act of trust and love. It is the forge that tempers the soul, the weight that builds endurance, the darkness that makes light visible. In embracing hardship, we honor a divine plan that transforms pain into joy, weakness into strength, and sorrow into hope.

Seneca’s wisdom in De Providentia invites us to see adversity as a profound opportunity to cultivate virtue and resilience. Similarly, Jesus’ promise in John 16:22 assures us that the joy born of suffering is eternal and unshakable. As we face life’s trials, we can take comfort in their purpose, knowing that like gold refined by fire, we will emerge radiant, resilient and unbroken.

References

1. Seneca, Lucius Annaeus. De Providentia. Translated by John W. Basore, Harvard University Press, 1928.

2. Seneca, Lucius Annaeus. Letters from a Stoic. Translated by Robin Campbell, Penguin Classics, 1969.

3. The Bible (John 16:16-24; Matthew 16:24; Romans 5:3-4). Translated by the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), HarperCollins, 2001.