Evolution of Loving

The Evolution of Loving provides an intimate glimpse into eight remarkable partnerships that have been consciously built – and in many cases, rebuilt – on a foundation of authenticity, personal responsibility, and trust.  As a photography book and a written essay, It is both a beautiful celebration of, and a concise synthesis of, the principles and practices – including meditations, communication exercises, daily and monthly rituals, and more – that have helped each couple fulfill the highest promise of partnership.  The experiences conveyed in both words and images inspire us as to what becomes possible when we have the courage to fully open up to and grow in partnership alongside another human being.   The book has a very warm and inviting layout and design, like that of one’s personal diary that invites you to snuggle up next to a loved one or a fire and travel deep into the devotional love shared by each couple.  On it pages, you will discover the inspiring real-life stories of sixteen men and women who have learned to listen generously, to communicate authentically, and to take complete responsibility for our own happiness – and whose relationships reflect the depth of this commitment.  And while these couples all display an exceptional degree of devotion, it’s vital to understand that this did not happen by chance.  The level of intimacy between them was created in direct proportion to how much each was willing to give of themselves for the sake of their relationship – not only in happy times when giving comes easy, but at times when old wounds are triggered and our every survival instinct is screaming for us to build defensive walls and guard our hearts. The commitment to return to the practices that foster, maintain and restore connection, even in the midst of heartbreak, disillusionment or uncertainty, is what ultimately guided each couple to the other side.    In this book, you will learn the fundamental principles for deepening physical and emotional intimacy over time, and for allowing your partnership to foster both your individual and collective evolution.  You will learn how to intentionally view your partner – flaws and all – from the broadest and most empowered perspective.  You’ll learn how to balance togetherness with autonomy, and to appreciate the ways your individual differences can contribute to the expansion of your partnership.  Finally, the book closes with a comprehensive array of rituals and practices that will support you in strengthening the foundation of shared values between you and your partner, even when times are tough or communication has broken down.    The promise of evolving love is to use whatever comes up as an opportunity to heal past wounds, to understand our partners more intimately, and to remove any obstacles within ourselves to experiencing love’s full depth.  Each couple featured throughout this book has provided a piece of what is now a precise roadmap for nurturing the ongoing evolution of loving.  The insights, tools, practices and examples offered here will light the way to an experience of love that grows ever deeper, transparent, and trusting over time.

Carl Studna

Carl Studna is a world-renowned photographer, an inspirational speaker and teacher, and the author of the multi-award winning book, CLICK! Choosing Love: One Frame at a Time, which following its 2012 release became a #6 best-seller among titles in the Self-Help genre. Throughout his 20-year career as a photographer and videographer, Carl’s intimate portraits of influential people – including luminaries such as Tom Robbins, Ram Dass, Paul McCartney, James Brown, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Marianne Williamson and Deepak Chopra – have become known worldwide and have graced countless publications from Time Magazine to Rolling Stone.  Carl also had the honor of photographing His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the first Synthesis Dialogues in Dharmasala, India.

Mr. Studna received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Expressive Arts from Sonoma State University and his Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.  He is also a member of the esteemed Transformational Leadership Council, a by-invitation-only group of authors, speakers, coaches, trainers, researchers, consultants, and other leaders in the fields of personal and professional development that was established in July of 2004 by Jack Canfield. 

Both in his work as a photographer and while teaching and writing, Carl’s primary message is that life is a sacred journey to be cherished and embraced, and that we all have the power to awaken to the splendor that underlie even seemingly ordinary moments.  Carl’s trademarked methodology, known as the LuminEssence Method©, is the culmination of nearly thirty years of experience in blending intimate portrait photography with the principles of personal development.  With it, clients and workshop participants alike experience a new paradigm for resting in the light that resides within, and allowing it to fully express and reveal each person’s authentic gifts.  Carl is also the creator of Conscious Coupling and Bridging the Gender Gap, two powerful relationship-building courses that he co-facilitates with his wife, Cynthia James, both at live events and online.