"El amor no mira con los ojos, sino con la mente, y por eso alado Cupido está pintado ciego."

The essence of the quote is that love isn't about physical appearance; it’s about what we feel and think. It’s saying that true love is blind to external looks and instead sees with the mind—meaning, with feelings, thoughts, and deeper connections.

This idea has been around for a long time. Shakespeare, who penned this line in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," was writing about the whimsical and often irrational nature of love. In the play, characters fall in and out of love with ridiculous speed and for seemingly arbitrary reasons, showing how unpredictable and mind-driven love can be.

Let’s think about a real-life example. Picture two people, Alex and Jamie. Alex might not be a supermodel by societal standards—maybe they’re a bit quirky-looking. But Jamie falls for Alex not because of how Alex looks, but because of their shared love for indie music, their deep late-night conversations about the universe, and the way Alex’s eyes light up when they’re passionate about something. Jamie’s love for Alex is rooted in who Alex is, not what they look like. This is what it means to love with the mind.

So, how can we apply this wisdom? Start by focusing on people’s personalities, values, and how they make you feel. Don't get caught up in societal standards of beauty. It’s about that deep connection—the kind that makes you laugh till your stomach hurts or supports you when you’re down. When you shift your focus from the surface to the core, you begin to see people in a whole new, more genuine light.

Imagine you’re at a party. Instead of scanning the room for the most conventionally attractive person, you strike up a conversation with someone who seems interesting. Maybe they’ve got an unusual hobby or an infectious laugh. You find yourself drawn to their energy and passion. Before you know it, you’re lost in conversation for hours, and you realize you’ve found something special. This is the magic of seeing love with the mind, not the eyes.

In practice, this means being open to getting to know people on a deeper level. Ask questions, listen more than you talk, and look for qualities that resonate with your soul. Physical beauty can fade, but a beautiful mind, a kind heart, and a genuine connection can last a lifetime.

To bring it home with a story, think about my friend, Sara. She met John at a book club. John wasn’t the kind of guy who’d catch your eye immediately—he wore thick glasses and had a bit of a slouch. But as they discussed their favorite novels, Sara found herself drawn to his intelligence, his sense of humor, and his kind nature. They started dating, and she fell in love with him for who he was. Years later, they’re still together, and Sara often says she didn’t fall in love with John’s appearance; she fell in love with his mind and heart.

So, next time you find yourself in a situation where you could choose the superficial or the substantial, go for the latter. Look past the exterior. Focus on the thoughts, feelings, and connections. That’s where real love lives.