"Love is the pursuit of the whole"

Love, at its core, is the quest for completeness. It’s the idea that in loving someone or something, we are seeking to feel whole. Imagine you’re putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece, on its own, doesn't show the full picture, but as you connect them, the image becomes clear and complete. That’s what love does—it's the pursuit of that complete picture, finding the pieces that fit together perfectly.

This concept isn't new. Think back to ancient Greek philosophy. Plato, in his dialogue "Symposium," talks about how humans were originally whole, and the gods split us into two. Since then, we've been searching for our other half to become whole again. This pursuit of wholeness through love has been a theme throughout history, showing up in literature, art, and music.

Consider a real-life example—one that’s both vivid and practical. Think about a parent-child relationship. A parent loves their child unconditionally, right? They do everything in their power to ensure their child's happiness and well-being. Why? Because in doing so, they feel complete. The child's laughter, their milestones, their mere presence fills a part of the parent's heart that nothing else can. That’s love as the pursuit of wholeness in action.

Now, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by recognizing the areas where you feel incomplete. Are you seeking a deeper connection in your relationships? Do you want to find passion in your work? Identify what’s missing. Then, actively pursue it with love. Embrace opportunities to connect with others, invest time in your interests, and be open to new experiences. It’s about actively seeking those pieces that make you feel whole.

Imagine you’re in your twenties, fresh out of college. You’re in a new city, starting a new job, and you don't know a soul. It’s exciting but also a bit daunting. You miss your family, your friends, the comforts of what you know. You feel a bit incomplete. But then, you meet a group of people who share your interests. You start hanging out, sharing meals, talking about your dreams and fears. Slowly, you start feeling more at home, more complete. That’s you pursuing wholeness through love—love for these new friends, love for the city, and love for the new experiences.

Life is all about these little moments of finding and feeling complete. It’s about the relationships we build, the passions we pursue, and the experiences we embrace. So next time you feel a bit lost or incomplete, remember that love is your guide. Seek out those connections, those passions, those moments that make you feel whole. And don’t be afraid to open your heart and let love in—because in the end, it’s what makes the puzzle of life complete.

And hey, if you're ever feeling like a piece is missing, reach out to someone. Sometimes, talking to a friend or family member can help you see the pieces you didn’t even know were there. We’re all in this pursuit together, after all.