Love’s Sovereignty
~ Written February 14, 2026. Reflections on love, inner wholeness, and the sovereignty of one’s own being.
While romantic love is often idolized in common culture, the truth be told, it’s one of the weakest and most fleeting expressions of love. Love of God, deep authentic friendship, spiritual connection, immersion in nature, and genuine camaraderie are each, in themselves alone, much more powerful and pure embodiments of true love. Even the endearing unconditional love shared between animal and human is much more dependable, sustaining, and enduring than the fleeting highs and lows of romantic love alone.
We’ve been erroneously conditioned our whole lives to believe that the desire, passion, and longing characterized within romantic love are the hallmarks of “being in love.” Yet the truth is that while these feelings may deeply stir our emotions, they do little to actually put us more in touch with our own inner completeness, our natural sense of wholeness. On the contrary, these fleeting emotions often serve to pull us further away from the truth, power, and beautiful sovereignty of our own inner being.
Today I will not subscribe to the delusion that romantic love is the highest and most ideal form of love. If it comes, I will welcome and honor its playful dance and expression with integrity. Yet I will not abandon myself in that singular instance of love’s expression. Instead, I will continually honor, prioritize, and nurture the many other higher forms of love’s expression that are available and present in my life today.
~ Shambo
Shambo
Shambo ~ Mark D. Hulett is a writer and contemplative voice from South Georgia, where nature, long-term sobriety, and the teachings of nonduality have formed the ground of his life. Influenced by Christ, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, and Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, his reflections speak from the heart — inviting readers and listeners into clarity, compassion, and quiet return to their own heart.
2 Responses
This is beautifully said Mark!!! What stands out to me on my first listening/reading to this is what you said about the endearing unconditional love between animal and humans. It hits home. It is so true what you have written and shared on the rest also!! You have a way with words that are deep and meaningful and different perspectives to think about. When listening to you, your voice is calming and it is easy to focus and listen to the meaning you are sharing! Thank you!!! I have learned in the last few years to love myself, appreciate myself and be happy with who I am and just be at peace with myself and to me that speaks volumes. Yes, I may miss companionship to speak with someone daily, but I have learned my peace and mental state is more important!!! Thank you for sharing!
Annette, thanks so much for dropping in and leaving your thoughts. So happy you’ve discovered the value of appreciating and loving yourself! It’s priceless.