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caring, Charity, community, compassion, courage, Diana Schwenk, family, friends, generosity, intimacy, joy, kids, kindness, living in the moment, love, Pablo Neruda, parents, passion, Purpose
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” ~ Pablo Neruda
I read this quote on the sidebar of one of your blogs some time ago. I do not remember who’s blog it was, but if it is yours, please let me know and I will reference your blog. Over the last few weeks I keep coming back to this quote, saying it out loud, breathing in its meaning. And then yesterday I read this post on wisejourney’s blog and it again reminded me of the above quote. I have never read anything that describes love as beautifully as this. I think it must be the closest thing to perfect love on this side of heaven.
In the light of love like this all other things pale in beauty
Ahh the beautiful things I have seen; like sunsets/rises, the detailed design and brilliant colours on butterflies, the turquoise lakes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
and the beautiful sounds I have heard; like the waves crashing on the shore, the wind blowing through autumn leaves, the crickets’ song at night, a lone wolf howling at the moon.
and the beautiful textures I have touched or been touched by; walking barefoot on lush grass, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, the cleansing coolness of water on a hot day.
and the beautiful things I have tasted; like a crisp and juicy apple freshly picked from a tree, bread fresh from the oven slathered in butter, a cold beer on a hot day.
As beautiful as all these things are they are nothing compared to the sights, sounds, texture and tastes of love.
In the light of love like this all other things that make us feel secure seem trivial.
If I have a roof over my head, food in my stomach, a great job, a great car, the latest technological gadget, a good education, a command of many languages, more money than I know what to with, the admiration and respect of multitudes – will I then feel secure?
As far as security is concerned, can anything compare to knowing that the ones you love and are loved by have promised to be there and face whatever comes together with you?

…I love you this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you…
In the light of love like this the word alone seems foreign
Love – whether it be a child’s love toward their parents, the love of a spouse, the love of a parent for their child, or the love of mankind on the whole – has the power to manifest true beauty in acts of compassion, draw out courage and hope in any crisis and bring unimaginable and indescribable joy.

…so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.”
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
I invite you to share your thoughts on love and your links to posts about love below
What a fantastic quote by Pablo Neruda. I loved your post, Diana. so thoughtful and beautifully stated. One of my favorite quotes is by Benedictine Monk David Steindl-Rast: “Let everyone you meet be blessed by you … by your eyes, by your smile, by your touch, just by your presence. Let the Gratefulness overflow into blessing all around you. Then it will really be a good day.”
I love that photo of you and your daughter. I hope I have your blessing as I am going to share your post on Facebook. Blessings, my friend.
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Thanks for sharing my post Judy and that awesome quote by David Steindl! ❤
Diana xo
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Here’s a beautiful video that Brother Steindl-Rast narrates, using that quote. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zl9puhwiyw His narration also was featured on Louie Schwartzberg’s TED talk about “Gratitude.” Different visuals. Both are stunning.
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so beautiful Judy – thank you. ❤
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This is a lovely, twinkling star blog post, Diana. That black and white photo, are you 1 of the 2 children? It’s a very sweet, poignant shot.
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Yes, I’m on the right Jean with my brother, Michael. ❤
Diana xo
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Priceless photo, Diana.
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It is – I treasure it Jean. ❤
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Diana, this is a beautiful post. Unconditional love that is simple and pure is the best. ❤ I love the picture of you and and your daughter.
Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy ❀
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Thanks Wendy, I love that picture too. ❤
Diana xo
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This is incredibly beautiful Diana. So wise. Brought bright sweet tears to my eyes. Thank you for helping start my day with a heart overflowing with love. Hugs of gratitude xo Gina
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You’re very welcome. I love the quote so much!
Hugs back,
Diana
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Thank you very much – You made my day!
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I’m still mulling and practising 😉 Lovely thoughts I think I need a lifetime to work them out! Great post Diana, I must click on like too ♡
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Sometimes I wonder if THAT is our life-time purpose – to learn to love…
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“so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close”
LOVE this 🙂
Wonderful post.
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Isn’t that a great line?? I must go find a book by him!
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happy anniversary on your pick post “52 weeks…” 🙂
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Bill, that hadn’t even ocurred to me! Hey did you know you were my Friday Pick 4? It’s been fun doing this – I love showcasing my weekly favourite posts! I think I may have to design a Friday Pick jpg that people can put on their blog if they are so inclined, what do you think?
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I love this…this perspective, this way of seeing love. At this particular moment in my time, this lens is one I want to see through. Thank you…absolutely lovely.
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You’re welcome Bonnie – I want to see through this lens too.
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Let’s get matching glasses! 🙂
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Ok, red frames!
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many, many types of love at different levels and they make our world sweeter. Great post Diana!
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That they do. Thanks.
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♥
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Let’s pretend I know how to make one of those hearts ( ❤ ) and then back at ya!
xo
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❤ !! ♥
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Just bloody great so beautiful
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Thank you Joanne!
xo
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What an absolutely beautiful post – thank you, Diana.
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Thanks Julie – Glad you enjoyed it.
xo
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A lovely post Diana. Blessings to you!
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Thank you and to you as well.
xo
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Nice!! Neruda is really something! Even when I don’t have a clue what he’s saying, his poetry still gives me that delightful frisson. (Check out his Enigmas some time. So opaque and yet so evocative!)
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Will do – thanks for the tip Smitty!
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Love the love quote! 😉 There is nothing more beautiful than feeling loved and to love someone. I need to come back again, read it again and savor every single word. This post is like piece of art. I really need to slow-read it again to get it all in. Thanks!
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(smiling) Thanks Kristi, you’re welcome back anytime!
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What an amazing quote. You really do have to breath it in. I found myself reading it several times too in order to take it all in. Beautiful post.
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Thanks Lorri!
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Beautiful and very very true! Thank you!
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You’re welcome – thanks for stopping by!
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Reblogged this on A Grateful Man and commented:
As I was trying to come up with words to tell Diana just how much I loved this post–and the right words failed to come to me–I realized that a way to let Diana know just how much I loved this post was to simply reblog it. Thank you, Diana, for yet another wonderful post.
Russ
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Oh I do love this post.. I do love this Blog.. and I do feel the love from my family, just as you have described it here… what a wonderful post.. you are magic…
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Thanks bulldog I appreciate you so much! You are a lucky man, what more could you ask for?
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Diana, what a beautiful post! And the quote you shared is divine! x
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Thanks Jennifer! I truly love this quote too. I think it’s my favourite to date!
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Neruda, nothing compares to his poetry of love.
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It’s an amazing quote!
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Nothing can compare to love! I am amazed at the wisdom of the almighty who gave humans the ability to love more than one person in more than one way. I have learned that how we love evolves as we ourselves grow. I have learned that we find it easier to love others and challenging to love ourselves. I have learned that we cannot send love outward if we cannot find it within. The love we bring into this life into this world is the love that lives within. Amazing post Diana!!!
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Thank you Roxy. I would agree it is often harder to love ourselves. You are probably familiar with the verse…love your neighbour as you love yourself…many of us forget the love yourself part!
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Ahhh, simply beautiful!
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Thank you my dear!
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