When we think of Valentines Day, we think of couples in love, married, or soon to be, taking full advantage of the holiday through gift giving and spending quality time with their lovers. After all, the tradition goes back hundreds of years from legends involving the Catholic Church and third century Roman Saints, to Christians observing a pagan fertility festival honoring the Roman God of Agriculture, evolving into it’s final existence in the Middle Ages as a day for romance.
Fast forward to the 21st century:
In this generation there has been a shift in human interaction, more of our time is spent in the workforce, couples making time to be together may find it challenging with their career paths, children’s activity/sports schedules, communicating via email and social media. All of which have a way of dividing or depriving us of quality time to love. There is more stress, more pressure to keep up with “The Jones’s” and less time spent simply loving and appreciating ourselves and those around us. We are a distracted society. We have become cynical with the world and argumentative. We rely more on intellect and less from the heart. There is no heartfelt conversation when we text friends and family. Heart icons are only symbols on a smartphone, one cannot possibly compare the feeling you get when you look into someone’s eyes and your heart melts as you see into theirs. Or the hand that strokes your cheek as they dry your tears and the feeling of being safe from a simple hug. Love, in it’s authenticity is pure, simple and powerful. Love heals what ails us.
Healing the heart begins with healing our own and loving ourselves. When we accept and forgive ourselves, for whatever the reason may be, only then will we find true love. Love yourself, so that you may love others. Not just on Valentine’s Day, but for all the days that lie ahead. Fall in love with taking care of yourself, Mind, Body and Spirit. Learn to love yourself for who you are. Your body is your temple, cherish and revere the temple you live in.