Love: True Compassion Begins with Oneself
"Love that heals"
Kamal Kandel
This session provided a gentle moment full of deep meaning regarding what love is. Amidst the many activities and the dense schedule of BPW 2025, all participants were invited to pause for a moment and look back inward. To reflect again on where true love begins.
Kamal Kandel, who led the session, opened the contemplation using a simple yet stirring sentence: "Love is within oneself." That sentece affirms that love is not just a sweet thing to be experienced, but also a strength that enables one to heal from bitter things. That is by being able to forgive, understand, and grow. Cultivating love within oneself is not always easy, because it is often born from struggle and the courage of the self to make peace with wounds.
In his personal story, Kamal shared a tale about a conflict with his older brother that caused him to distance himself from his family. However, it was his life journey and his education regarding peace that led him to return home, forgive, and open his heart to his family. From that experience, he understood that love is a process, not a fixed state. Furthermore, his experience moved him to share and inspire others in their transformation journeys regarding the meaning of love. Love is a decision made every day to remain caring, present, and open, even in difficult circumstances. Love does not just stop at oneself, but it is love that is also given to everyone.
In the collective reflection session, many shared their life reflection journeys regarding what love is as experienced in their lives. Nonie shared about the importance of understanding love languages—that everyone has a different way of expressing love. This can lead to misunderstandings. However, she learned that loving others begins with loving oneself. Another reflection was given by Raniyah, who explained that loving oneself provides space for reflection, knowing the condition of the heart, and learning to let go of unnecessary burdens.
Meanwhile, Barbara Lawler from Australia reminded us that love can be realized through simple actions. Love is manifested by slowing down for a moment, maintaining health, and being present with full awareness. A profound sentence from Barbara was that slowing down is an important thing because we can truly listen to ourselves. This sentence can be practiced by everyone today, so they can better feel the love within.
Based on all the reflections from those stories, it was clearly felt that love does not stop at feelings alone, but is a way of life. Love provides space for oneself to grow without judgment, and for others to be different without losing compassion. This session serves as a reminder that true love starts from oneself. By being able to accept oneself with all the weaknesses and strengths, one can truly love others. Again, throuh quiet time, every participant was invited to return to the center of the self to find calmness amidst the hustle and bustle of the world. More deeply, this session made us realize that love is the source of all goodness. Honest love comes from simplicity and makes life feel lighter and more meaningful. A sentence we can reflect on together is, "What does love mean to me?"
Happy self-reflecting, everyone :)
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Author : Albert Giovanni Siswanto (Volunteer BPW 2025 & Member of Young Interfaith Peacemaker Community West Java)
Editor : Anisa Eka Putri Kusmayani
Translator : Ari Budi Santosa