THE HEART: TWO PERSPECTIVES

As a family therapist, I learned the power of art, the ability to draw one’s thoughts, early on. I also learned that there are two very different perspectives when it comes to love and loving. Let me explain how I put the two together: Art and Love.

I always kept a sketch pad nearby when working with couples. When appropriate, I would pull out my pad, reach for a red marker, and draw two large hearts. I would explain: There are two kinds of love. The first heart represents a spouse who believes there is one 100%. That is, if you love your mother and father, that takes 10+% away from me – which leaves me with 90%. If you love your job, that may be another 10% you’re taking away from me. And so on. There’s a huge hole in their inner child that may never be filled. Everyone suffers.

The other heart I have drawn I have broken into multiple boxes. Each box, I say, represents a person, and each box/person can be loved 100%. No jealousy. No competition. Everyone is at peace and able to love each other.