I could watch this film of Tove Jansson shot by Tuulikki Pietilä forever; Jansson dancing under the loving gaze of her partner, surrounded by the archipelago and nature. The freedom to be oneself and say the name of their beloved out loud. How beautiful a loving gaze is, and how it reflects back onto the one being observed.

The film brought to mind a piece I wrote regarding love, and what I’ve learned about it as the father of a young daughter. I wanted to share it with you. Perhaps it can create its own dance with the video Pietilä captured:

“My daughter has taught me to love more honestly, in all my relationships. I’ve learned that love endures mistakes and fallibility. I can apologize if I’ve raised my voice or lost my temper. Love means daring to ask for what you need, and that your request will receive a response. It’s taking responsibility for each other’s vulnerability. It’s advising, sharing, teaching, listening, and setting boundaries. It’s the ongoing rhythm of everyday routines. Early mornings and late nights. It’s weighing choices while tired at the grocery store, and carrying the other to the top floor. It’s shared showers and separate showers. It’s silence and comfort. It’s many individual decisions to walk through one’s own fears. It’s walking through fears together. It’s never walking too far around the corner so the other can no longer see you. It’s uncontrollable crying and uncontrollable rage. It’s doing things together. Building a shared rhythm. It’s having the energy at the end of the day to ask how the other is doing, and to reply. It’s saying good night and good morning. It’s understanding that no matter how deeply you love, you can never be everything to another person.”