Today’s quote by Hafiz conveys a powerful message about selfless love and generosity. Also known as Hafiz, Khwāja Shams-ud-Dīn Muhammad Hāfez-e Shīrāzī, who lived between 1315 and 1390, was a Persian poet and Sufi mystic, celebrated for his deeply spiritual and love-infused poetry. The quote draws a beautiful analogy between the sun and the Earth to illustrate how true love and kindness do not come with expectations or conditions. The sun shines daily, giving warmth, light, and life to the Earth without demanding anything in return. It does not say, *”You owe me for all the energy I provide.”* It simply gives because that is its nature. Similarly, the highest form of love is unconditional; it expects nothing back yet has the power to illuminate everything around it. 

Hafiz suggests that when love is pure and selfless, it can transform lives, just as the sun lights up the entire sky. Love, when given freely, creates a ripple effect, spreading warmth, happiness, and positivity. It inspires others to love more deeply, creating a world filled with kindness and light. This idea can be applied to many aspects of life, including relationships, friendships, and acts of service. When we love others without keeping score or expecting anything in return, we experience a deeper, more fulfilling connection. On the other hand, when love is transactional, when we constantly expect something in return, it loses its beauty and purity.  

The quote also carries a spiritual lesson: love is most powerful when it is not attached to ego or personal gain. True love is divine, just like the sun’s unconditional warmth. Many spiritual traditions emphasise this kind of love whether it’s compassion, charity, or simply being kind without expecting recognition. In a world where love is often measured by what we receive in return, Hafiz reminds us of a different kind of love, one that gives without question. This kind of love, whether for a partner, a friend, or humanity as a whole, has the power to light up not just one life but the entire world.   

In March, I walked 544,504 steps and 359 km. My total journey to my home in India and back to Singapore as of the end of March is almost 12,500, which brings me in proximity to Myanmar’s border with Thailand and about 2000 km from home. This month, I started walking more intentionally, and this was reflected in my steps for the month. I did do some readings, but I didn’t read as much as I wanted to, and this month, I plan to change that to make time for reading every day and read daily!

GG has exams starting next week, and she is, as expected, very stressed. BB is also busy with work and often spends time in overtime. As for me, I am exactly where I was last week; no changes there.

That’s all for this week. Take care, stay safe, stay positive and keep smiling!