By Ora Nadrich
This Valentine’s Day, instead of exchanging the usual gifts and calling it good, make an effort to mindfully celebrate all the love in your life. Bring your full presence and awareness to this recognition of love. Show gratitude for the love that you are able to give and to receive.
Besides romantic love, honor love in all of its form. Try to mindfully be a conduit for love by radiating warmth and compassion to touch the hearts of others. Focus on the love that fills your own life, and mindfully think of filling the well of love for all in the world through the positive energy that you put out.
Here are some ways to move beyond the superficial aspects of Valentine’s Day and to mindfully explore the deep, powerful qualities of love with your partner, those close to you, and yourself:
Take time to honor love in your life. Make time to quietly connect with the love that is around you. Treasure those who share their love and brighten your world. Use a breathing exercise to breathe in their love and breathe out your love. Focus on expanding the love outward to include all the living beings in the world.
Make a memorable card. Instead of just signing a card with “I love you” and your name, write a heartfelt message. Share something meaningful that honors the special attributes that initially drew you to your partner or other loved ones. Include a favorite memory or a special quality and say why it means so much to you.
Bask in each other’s company. Instead of spending time watching a show or movie together, turn off the screen and devices and fully engage with each other. Connect with the feeling of warmth and tenderness between you. Take turns sharing what you love about each other.
Play music that evokes special memories. We all have experienced the power of music to take us back in time. Do you and your loved one have your own song? If not, is there music that you enjoyed together in the past that will evoke special moments? You may want to take your sweetie in your arms and sway to the tunes.
Relish the intimacy between you and your lover. Set the stage to savor the physical pleasure you give to each other. Play soft music, make love by candlelight, use massage oils to prolong your foreplay, or whatever else you imagine will heighten the sharing of sensual pleasures. Intently focus on your partner and fully show up together in your intimacy.
Show yourself some love. Whether you have a special someone or not, celebrate Valentine’s Day by also recognizing and appreciating the lovable person that is you! Self-love is at the root of all the love and compassion you give to others. Go inward and contemplate what your heart feels. Honor the thoughts that well up.
Show up completely with yourself and your partner and open your heart to profound love. Let mindfulness give you and your loved one the perfect valentine. It will stay with you longer than a box of chocolates.
Ora Nadrich is founder and president of the Institute for Transformational Thinking and author of Live True: A Mindfulness Guide to Authenticity, named in the 100 Best Mindfulness Books of All Time by BookAuthority. She is a certified life coach and mindfulness teacher, specializing in transformational thinking, self-discovery and mentoring new coaches as they develop their careers. Contact her at theiftt.org.
The Editorial Team at Lake Oconee Health is made up of skilled health and wellness writers and experts, led by Daniel Casciato who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We aim to provide our readers with valuable insights and guidance to help them lead healthier and happier lives.
