According to projections made for several years by the National Retail Federation (NRF, for its acronym in English), a trade association that brings together members of the U.S. retail industry,
consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion this Valentine’s Day, surpassing last year’s sales.
According to projections made for several years by the National Retail Federation (NRF, for its acronym in English), a trade association that brings together members of the U.S. retail industry, consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion this Valentine’s Day, surpassing last year’s sales.
Beyond excessive consumption and commercialism, it’s worth taking advantage of another celebration of one of the most commercial holidays in the country to draw attention to the need to strengthen the pedagogy of love amid so many differences and disagreements in an increasingly polarized global context.
Though it may sound cheesy, love—one of the most universal emotions—can be the most powerful weapon to transform differences into opportunities for growth and progress. It sounds and seems simple, but paradoxically, the current trend is that this simple yet powerful word is one of the least practiced in today’s increasingly humanized world, so overwhelmed by situations that test people’s vulnerability in managing and expressing their emotions.
A few years ago, I had the fortune of a first encounter with the Pedagogy of Love, an educational proposal based on affectivity in the teaching-learning process and the integral development of individuals through self-love and love for others to give meaning to a peaceful and happy life.
From my experience, I can assure that this proposal transforms the way we see, understand, and coexist in the world without feeling overwhelmed. Viewing love beyond mere sentiment and expressions of affection toward those we feel we love is evolution because it allows us to accept, respect, and understand others—those who are, think, and act differently.
Don’t be mistaken; this is not a romanticized vision of life where everything unfolds in peace and without disagreement. On the contrary, it’s about learning to coexist amid differences by acquiring and sharing knowledge, skills, and competencies to face life and circumstances. Recognizing oneself is the first step to accepting, acknowledging, coexisting, and progressing with others despite differences. It’s about giving meaning to what true love for one’s neighbor really means.
Transforming fears, insecurities, and the lack of self-love is a complex but possible process. It’s a sure path toward a more fulfilling and happy existence. It’s time to overcome fears, hopelessness, and the language of hate with more respectful relationships and a more positive, optimistic language. The Pedagogy of Love is not a fairy tale; it’s an opportunity to give life new meaning and make our diverse world a place for more peaceful coexistence.
By Omaira Martínez Cardona – Colombian Journalist
oma66co@gmail.com
