“I Don’t Know You, But I Know I Love You”

A reflection on unconditional love and the heart of mindfulness

During a recent Insight Retreat, our teacher Kodo Conlin shared a story that brightened my heart. It was about a man with Alzheimer’s. He no longer recognized a loved member of his family. The memory was gone. The name, the context, all of it had faded. But the love remained. He looked at them and said:

“I don’t know you, but I know I love you.”

That line stayed with me. Simple. True. It didn’t need explanation.

Lately, I’ve been feeling something similar. A quiet love for people. Not romantic. Not pity. Not performative. Just love. A steady current that says, I want the best for you.

I don’t need to know your story to care about you.

I don’t need to agree with you to wish you ease.

And I don’t need to judge you. Judgment doesn’t help.

This is where mindfulness steps in. It reminds me again and again to see without comparison, without ego. To meet each moment as it is. I think of a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” When we stop measuring and start witnessing, something shifts.

There’s space to simply love.

And this idea of acceptance we hear so often… I’ve been wondering if it’s even mine to give. Saying “I accept you” can carry a quiet implication, as if I’m in some position of power, granting permission. But I’m not here to accept anyone.

I’m here to love.

I see you.

And I love you.

We share this life. This kind of love does not belong to one religion or one teacher. Jesus does not own it. Neither does Buddha. Love like this isn’t tied to dogma. It’s in all of us. It’s what we’re made of.

At The Tranquil Path, that’s what we’re holding space for.

Not rules or roles or right beliefs.

Just presence.

Just love.

Just the raw honesty of being human, and showing up for each other.

Even if I don’t know you, I know I love you.