Where Is the Love?

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Daw Hla Myet Chell (International Law)

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Where Is the Love?

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Every day, we hear the word "love"—spoken in conversations, sung in songs, seen in movies and celebrated in literature. All major religions and spiritual teachings remind us of the importance of love. From the biblical command to "Love others as you love your own heart" to the Buddhist principle of compassion, love is universally presented as the foundation of human harmony. Yet, despite these teachings, our world remains plagued by war, conflict, and division. Why is there such a profound disconnect between the ideals of love and the reality of human behavior?

One poignant reminder of this disconnect comes from the lyrics of the song "Where Is the Love?" by Black Eyed Peas, which challenges us to reflect on the state of the world we live in, asking questions like, “Can you practice what you preach?” In a world where hatred and violence often seem to dominate, love remains a powerful, yet underutilized, force.

The Universality of Love

Love is a force that transcends all barriers—cultural, religious, and geographical. It is a universal language, uniting humanity across the globe, and has been celebrated by countless spiritual leaders and philosophers throughout history. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,’ highlighting that love is not about personal gain, but about selflessness and service to others. Similarly, Nelson Mandela taught that, ‘No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.’ These timeless insights remind us that love is not simply an emotion—it is a transformative power, capable of bridging divides, healing wounds, and bringing lasting peace to our world.

Buddhism, for instance, teaches metta, or loving-kindness, as a core discipline. Practicing metta involves cultivating an unconditional, inclusive love for all beings, even those who may have wronged us. This practice challenges individuals to transcend ego and fear, fostering compassion that can heal divisions.

The Consequences of a Love-Deficient World

As of 2024, the world continues to grapple with an unprecedented number of violent conflicts. Over 110 armed conflicts are being monitored globally, marking the highest number of violent disputes in recent decades. These conflicts have left an indelible mark on women and children. Over 473 million children—more than one in six globally—now live in areas affected by conflict. Similarly, nearly 600 million women and girls are enduring the ravages of war, with the number increasing by 50% over the past decade. By the end of 2024, 47.2 million children had been displaced due to conflict and violence. In conflict zones, 70% of women experience sexual violence, a staggering figure that is double the global average.

The trauma faced by women and children underscores the dire need for action to protect the most vulnerable in these regions. Such grim realities reflect a world where love and compassion are overshadowed by greed, hatred, and power struggles. The lack of love manifests in systemic injustices, exploitation, and the perpetuation of cycles of violence. As the Dalai Lama aptly stated, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.

The Power of Love to Heal and Transform

Throughout history, love has been heralded as the ultimate force for healing and unity. The Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "Through love, we recognize the suffering of others as our own and nurture understanding." This perspective highlights love's transformative power, emphasizing that it fosters empathy and shared humanity, even in the darkest times.

The teachings of Maya Angelou echo this sentiment: "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." His words underscore the vital role of love in our collective survival and well-being. In the face of war and division, love serves as a counterweight, enabling individuals and communities to heal and rebuild.

Even in modern conflict zones, love finds a way to manifest. Stories of individuals risking their lives to protect others, communities supporting displaced families, and survivors forgiving their oppressors serve as testaments to the enduring power of love. For instance, Huda Sha'arawi, an Egyptian feminist, defied societal norms and dedicated her life to advocating for women's rights and empowerment, showing how love for justice can transcend cultural boundaries. Similarly, Carlos Arredondo, during the Boston Marathon bombing, risked his own safety to save the lives of strangers, embodying how love and empathy can drive selfless action in the face of tragedy. These acts remind us that love is not passive; it is an active force capable of overcoming hatred.

Why Love is the Answer

In a world rife with division, love emerges as the antidote to conflict and suffering. Love is not just a feeling; it is an active choice and a transformative force. By choosing love, we create ripples of empathy and understanding that counteract hatred and violence.

Acts of love, no matter how small, have the power to bridge divides and heal wounds. Stories of solidarity—such as neighbors helping each other in times of crisis or communities uniting after tragedies—remind us of love’s capacity to restore hope. Desmond Tutu’s words ring true: "Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."

Moreover, love is at the heart of peacebuilding efforts. Diplomats, activists, and leaders who prioritize empathy and forgiveness can foster dialogue and reconciliation. Love compels us to see the humanity in others, even those we might perceive as adversaries.

Let’s Rediscover Love

If we want to create a world where love triumphs over conflict, we must begin with ourselves. Love must extend beyond words and manifest in our actions. It requires us to challenge our prejudices, listen to those who are different from us, and work toward common ground.

The teachings of love from religions and philosophies are not outdated ideals; they are more relevant than ever in today’s divided world. They remind us that while conflict and hatred may dominate the headlines, love remains humanity’s greatest strength and hope.

So, where is the love? It’s in the choices we make every day—to be kind, to forgive, to understand, and to stand together. By embracing love as a way of life, we can begin to heal a fractured world and pave the way for a more peaceful future.

Reference List:

  • Black Eyed Peas. (2003). Where Is the Love? [Song]. In Elephunk. Interscope Records.
  • Gandhi, M. (n.d.). The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Retrieved from Gandhi Foundation
  • Mandela, N. (1994). Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. Little, Brown and Company.
  • Dalai Lama. (n.d.). Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. Retrieved from Dalai Lama's official website
  • Hanh, T. N. (1996). The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation. Parallax Press.
  • Angelou, M. (2008). Letter to My Daughter. Random House.
  • Sendler, I. (n.d.). Irena Sendler: The Woman Who Saved 2,500 Jewish Children. Retrieved from Irena Sendler Project
  • Arredondo, C. (2013). Carlos Arredondo and the Boston Marathon Bombing. Retrieved from PBS News
  • Sha'arawi, H. (1920s). Feminism and Women’s Rights in Egypt: Memoirs of Huda Sha'arawi. The Feminist Press.
  • Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. (2024). Armed Conflict and Peace Efforts. Retrieved from https://www.sipri.org/
  • International Committee of the Red Cross. (2024). The Impact of Armed Conflicts on Women and Children. Retrieved from https://www.icrc.org/
  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2024). Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2024. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org/

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Technological versatilitySolar energy’s versatility also extends to its technology. The first thing that springs to mind is photovoltaic panels, but solar energy can also be used to create thermal energy by heating fluids, or by combining both types in the most modern thermodynamic solar power plants.It is equally true that, compared to a fossil fuel system or even many other renewables, solar energy creates very little noise. Aside from a few components required for cooling, both the sun’s rays themselves and the devices used to collect their energy are extraordinarily quiet and therefore suitable for use in any setting. 6. Minimal maintenance requiredDespite the fact that photovoltaic panels do gradually become less efficient, with a useful lifespan of 20-25 years, the kind of post-installation maintenance required is similar to that of a normal electrical system, with the addition of some periodic cleaning and little else, so maintenance is minimal. 7. Green until the end of lifeSolar panels are extremely practical, not only in the installation stage, but also when it is time to remove or replace them. They are usually easy to dismantle and the materials used in them can be reclaimed, recycled and reused, further reducing the environmental impact of this kind of energy.  Having panels available that can be combined in multiple ways means modular plants can be created that range from very small in size for domestic use to large-scale farms. This extreme versatility allows us to build plants according to the needs and particular characteristics of the local area. 8. A solid, reliable technologyEmbedded in the reality of the 21st century, photovoltaics is a mature technology. These systems are no longer pioneering and experimental solutions, as was the case in the last part of the 20th century; now the reliability, durability and performance of these plants are all more than satisfactory.   So the future of solar energy looks rosy. While the solutions we have today already offer technical and economic guarantees, many interesting new innovations await us in the coming years. This is particularly true of efficiency: history has taught us that solar cell performance is improving over time and figures that might have seemed unattainable a couple of decades ago are increasingly within our reach (most notably, efficiency is now over 20%). At the same time, the price of solar cells is going the other way and they’re becoming cheaper. If we combine these two effects, we can say that solar energy is becoming increasingly accessible and available, as well as remaining highly competitive compared to other renewables.    
The Soft Power of Slow Living
The Soft Power of Slow Living
In a world that celebrates speed, productivity, and never-ending hustle, the idea of “slow living” might sound outdated or even lazy. But slow living doesn’t mean doing things lazily or dragging your feet. Indeed, it requires a surprising amount of presence, awareness, and strength, not to chase time, but to live inside it.I used to be one of those people who measured my worth by how much I accomplished in a day. I’d read articles and watch motivational videos that glorified waking up at 5 am, planning every second of your schedule, and squeezing productivity out of every activity. I’d try to mimic that — get up early, hit the gym, read a book, journal, meditate, work on a side hustle — all before 8 am.And if I failed? I’d criticize myself for being lazy, weak, or undisciplined. I couldn’t rest without guilt. My inner voice sounded more like a coach yelling instructions than a kind friend offering support. But slowly, something shifted.It began with small things. One morning, I didn’t set an alarm. I simply woke up around 6 am — not because I had to, but because my body was ready. I walked downstairs, bought flowers for the shrine, took a warm shower, made an offering, and meditated. No rush, no pressure. Just presence. That’s when I first tasted what slow living could feel like. Since then, my days have taken on a new rhythm.Now, after my morning routine, I sit and read for about 20 minutes. I write in my journal. Around noon, I clean the rooms, wash the dishes and sink, do the laundry, and fold clothes. These chores, once annoying and mindless, have become something else — grounding, almost therapeutic. Living alone has helped me turn even tasks I didn’t want to do into habits I now appreciate. In the evening, I walk in the yard, water the plants, and then shower again. At night, I usually work on clients’ projects. If there’s no work, I watch a movie or call my relatives who live in other regions. By around 10:30 pm or 11 pm, I go to sleep. These days, the way I’m living could be described as “slow living”. In times like this, when distractions are everywhere, it helps calm my mind.But let’s clear up a common misunderstanding: Slow living isn’t a lifestyle that only people with lots of money can afford. It’s not about buying organic soaps, handmade furniture, or taking retreats in the countryside. It’s about a mindset. A way of approaching life.Slow living is about living with awareness — it’s not about drifting through life aimlessly. It’s about feeling the tiny droplets of water falling while we’re hanging washed clothes for just four or five minutes. It’s about feeling the warmth of the sun-dried clothes through our fingertips as we fold them. It’s about inhaling the fresh scent of soap. It’s about feeling our hands touch the water running from the faucet while washing the dishes. It’s about noticing the little suds and the texture of the plates.While cooking, while eating, while showering, while sleeping, even while working – It’s all about mindfulness, being fully in the moment, feeling through all five senses — touch, smell, taste, sound, sight – and completing each task with that awareness. Even if something takes just five minutes, we need to fully enjoy and feel what we’re doing. People tend to focus only on what’s bothering them. But we should shift our focus more towards the present moment in our process.Next, overthinking is one of the biggest barriers to mindfulness and slow living. It pulls us away from the now. Instead of living, we start analysing everything. Instead of enjoying our meal, we’re thinking about yesterday’s argument or tomorrow’s deadline. Our body may be in the moment, but our mind is sprinting in circles.Overthinking is exhausting. It creates problems that don’t even exist. It turns simple situations into complicated ones. It robs us of sleep, peace, and presence. And sadly, it’s become a normal part of modern life. We scroll endlessly through advice posts:”10 ways to stop overthinking”, “5 habits to become your best self”, and “Do this every morning to change your life.”But in this age of information overload, it’s so important not to become a slave to that information. At the end of the day, we’re responsible for our own lives. And only by living in alignment with our values and being satisfied with the way we live.Mindfulness is the medicine for overthinking. When you truly notice the moment, your breath, the smell of rain, the warmth of tea in your hands, your mind has no choice but to slow down. And when the mind slows, peace enters.A person who’s always tired and constantly rushing through everything can never live the same quality of life as someone calm, mindful, and present in each task. It’s not the same level of happiness, not the same sense of meaning.When I first began this journey, I didn’t realize how loud my thoughts had become. Even while doing simple tasks, my brain was racing – checking notifications, replaying conversations, worrying about things I couldn’t control. It took effort to bring myself back to the now, again and again. But over time, it became easier. Like building a muscle. The more I practised mindfulness, the less I overthought. The more I paid attention, the less anxious I felt. That’s the hidden gift of slow living — it trains our minds to stop running and start listening.I don’t want to give people advice like “Do this to improve your life”. Because honestly, I’m not doing anything extraordinary myself. I’ve simply chosen to live slower. Not to perform, but to experience. To notice how the floor feels under my feet when I walk. To hear the birds outside my window. To eat meals without checking my phone. To breathe deeply and fully before starting a new task.In the past, I used to be hard on myself and criticize myself unnecessarily. For example, I’d push myself to get up at 5 am and go to the gym by 6 am. If I couldn’t stick to that, I’d beat myself up and feel useless. Now? I don’t even set an alarm. By 5 am, I naturally wake up. This isn’t just about routine. It’s about rhythm – living in a way that feels gentle, authentic, and balanced. There’s no perfect formula. No schedule we need to copy. Just a series of choices. In the end, everything comes down to the choices we make.We can choose to rush through life, always chasing the next thing, never feeling enough. Or we can choose to slow down, breathe, and trust that the present moment is already rich with meaning. Slow living is a quiet rebellion in a noisy world. It’s not a trend. It’s a return to ourselves, our senses, our humanity.Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
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