An expression of love created in our art room

December 23

by Hayley Newton, Room In The Inn Community Engagement Coordinator

"Understanding is love's other name" - Thich Nhat Hanh

This phrase captures a core Buddhist idea: that genuine love stems from deep insight, not just emotion, which requires us to look deeply into others to see their suffering and hopes. This fosters compassion and acceptance and moves us to connection beyond personal attachment.

At Room In The Inn, there are so many ways we get to connect with one another. But so often we forget to truly slow down, to look deeply into others and ourselves. We can miss out on this understanding that brings us close to true and deep love that we can share with one another. 

The holiday season reminds us of so much - hope for the future, regret for things that have passed. We have an opportunity to slow down to truly understand one another, look deeply into each other and ourselves. This allows us to receive and give love that sustains us.

Where in your life can you slow down to look deeply into others? 

God of patient love,
in this season of waiting, teach us to understand as you understand.
Open our hearts to receive one another with gentleness and grace,
so that your love may be born among us again.
Amen.