Back to the Start: Why We Love in the First Place

The Familiarity Fade

Here’s the thing: when you’ve been with someone or something for a long time, it’s easy to forget why you fell for them in the first place. It’s like when you stop noticing your favourite T-shirt is amazing because you always wear it. Our brains are actually wired to do this. They get used to stuff that’s around a lot because it saves energy, not having to treat everything like it’s new.

The Double-Edged Sword of Consistency

But this brain trick can be tricky. If our brains keep treating something as new and exciting for too long, it can wear us out. It’s like hearing your favourite song on repeat until you can’t stand it anymore. The stuff we love about someone or something can become the very things that drive us nuts. This happens because we’re programmed to lose interest in things that keep repeating.

Embracing the Initial Spark

Think of falling in love or following a passion as getting wrapped up in a pattern. The deeper you get pulled in, the more you go along with these feelings or thoughts. It’s like swimming in an ocean of emotions and thoughts, getting tangled up and finding your way out.

The Essence of 初衷 (Chu-Zhong)

That’s where the idea of 初衷 (chu-zhong) comes in. It’s a Chinese concept about the first emotion or thought that made you fall in love. Remembering this is super important. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about reigniting that initial spark. The trick to keeping your relationship or passion fresh is to keep celebrating and appreciating those first feelings. Think blessings, gratitude, and compliments.

Keeping the Magic Alive

So, what’s the secret to a lasting relationship or a lifelong passion? 

It’s all about going back to the start and remembering what made you fall in love in the first place. It’s about keeping the magic of that first moment alive in new and exciting ways. Remember, the reason you fell in love is like a spell you cast on yourself – and you have the power to keep it going strong.