Expanding Our Capacity to Love by Loving the Enemy Within

Name: Expanding Our Capacity to Love by Loving the Enemy Within
Start: 2025-10-04T09:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-10-04T11:30:00-05:00
Location: Ridgedale Public Library

Hosted By

Alyce

Details

Expanding Our Capacity to Love by Loving the Enemy Within

This session invites us to look honestly at the parts of ourselves and others that we resist, reject, or even consider "the enemy." The title points to a paradox: that by learning to love what feels unlovable—within our own inner world and in our relationships—we expand the boundaries of love itself. Together we will explore how facing inner conflict, self-criticism, and projections on others can become an opening to deeper compassion and freedom.

In recent conversations about love, a common challenge surfaced:
"I have really negative feelings about people. How do I stay in relationship?"

This question captures the heart of our work. Love does not deny our difficult feelings—it invites us to meet them with honesty, curiosity, and courage. By exploring how to remain in relationship even when negativity arises, we practice a more radical form of love that transforms both ourselves and the way we connect with others.

Location:
Go to Ridgedale Library - 2nd Floor - Ladyslipper Room 275

Video References:

Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

Reflect on the meaning of the “enemy within”—whether as self-criticism, inner resistance, or projections onto others.
Explore how loving what feels unlovable expands our capacity to love—both inwardly and outwardly.
Engage with the challenge of staying in relationship even when negative feelings arise toward others.
Practice self-awareness and compassion as tools for transforming inner conflict into connection.
Identify practical ways to extend love into difficult relationships, situations, and aspects of the self.

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ABOUT TRIBE OF ONE LOVE

Mission of Tribe of One Love:
We are a community devoted to expanding our capacity to practice love for all—cherishing the sacredness of every human, nurturing meaningful connection, and living the wisdom of love in action. In doing so, we cultivate joy and awaken a higher consciousness that inspires more connected lives for ourselves, our families, and the world around us.

Purpose of Weekly Discussions:
Transformation. Our weekly gatherings are spaces for authentic connection and shared growth, with transformation at the heart of why we come together. Every voice is valued, every story honored, and our diversity embraced. We come together not to debate or persuade, but to listen, reflect, and expand in love and curiosity. At the end of each discussion, we invite each participant to share a takeaway—what they’ve learned, how their views have shifted, or what they might do differently because of the conversation.

Tribe of One Love Invitation & Community Guidelines

We are rooted in love, curiosity, and growth.
We’re here to reflect, share, and expand our awareness together—not to debate, persuade, or convert.
We are a nonpartisan, non-denominational space.
People from all walks of life are welcome. Personal experiences may include politics or religion, but no ideology—political, religious, or otherwise—should be promoted or belittled.
We show up as both teachers and students.
Please review any shared resources before the session. We look forward to hearing your reflections, reactions, and perspectives. While we explore different perspectives, you are encouraged to take in what speaks to you and release what doesn’t.
Speak from personal experience.
Use “I” language. Share what’s true for you without trying to fix, assume, advise, or preach—unless invited. Avoid stating opinions as facts. When you frame your truth as your experience, it leaves room for others to share theirs.
Avoid assumptions.
Don’t assume others share your background, values, or beliefs. Our diversity is a strength. Speaking as if we all think alike can make others feel excluded or unsafe.
You are welcome to bring your real experiences—with purpose.
If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or worn down by life and the state of the world, you are not alone. Bring what’s real in the spirit of healing and learning. We name pain, not to vent or complain without direction, but to seek clarity, understanding, and transformation.
Practice equity of voice.
Be mindful of how much space you’re holding. If you speak often, consider stepping back. If you’re usually quiet, know your voice matters—we’d love to hear from you.
Welcome disagreements as part of growth.
When conflict arises, pause. Acknowledge what others are sharing, and respond with curiosity, not certainty. Aim for connection, not correction.
Let this space ripple outward.
What’s learned here, we hope transforms not only ourselves, but our families, communities, and beyond. This space is sacred—not because it is perfect, but because we hold it together.