Almost everyone has heard of the golden rule (in case you haven’t: treat others how you want to be treated). This sentiment is expressed in over thirteen major religions and philosophies from every part of the world. It’s so commonplace and straightforward that it’s easy to overlook. Yet this rule has deeper aspects than the face value it initially offers.

Contemplating the Golden Rule

At first glance, it seems simple: be nice and treat other people respectfully and kindly. This is already good. However, this understanding only covers physical interactions, such as how you act and behave throughout your day.

But what about how you think about and perceive others? Indeed, it must cover that as well. Mentally regarding others as you would want them to for you has a broad impact. Your thoughts and emotions inform your actions, creating a more fundamental shift in how you interact with others.

How Would You Want to be Thought of?

When I first realized this deeper understanding, I considered how I would want to be thought of and treated on a non-physical or energetic level. To put it simply, I would want to be loved. Therefore, I radiate unconditional love to those around me—unconditional love, whoever they are, whatever they are doing. For the record, I don’t go around telling people I love them. But on the inside, I genuinely feel compassion for them.

Imagine how much better the world would be if everyone looked at each other with love first and foremost. How much more understanding would there be? How much more kindness? How much less violence and war would there be? Everyone goes through life facing their own set of struggles and tragedies. You don’t need the specifics to appreciate that they are going through life just like you and deserve to be loved.

Why put limitations on your love? Plants, animals, and even inanimate objects are lovable. Love even the chair you’re sitting on, the walls around you, the flowers, trees, and shrubs—why not love it all? It’s all part of your life. Without those things, it wouldn’t be the same.

It’s Okay to Forget, But Don’t Forget to Remember

It can be easy to forget and slip into unconscious patterns of judgment. After all, we’ve been conditioned to judge. It’s a feature of society. But the more you remember to apply the golden rule in this deeper way, the better you will feel. All actions have consequences, and the consequence of loving others is to feel joy. With no limits to your love, there are no limits to your joy.

A common pitfall with this rule is that some fall into a tit-for-tat way of thinking. “I do this for you, so you’ll do the same for me.” This is counter to the spirit of the rule. Let go of expectations. It’s about being genuine and compassionate, not keeping score.

Treat others how you would want to be treated, from your thoughts to your actions and through every aspect of your being.