Contemplating Valentine's Day
This is the day to celebrate Love and the important place it holds in your life. Love is more than just a feeling or an emotion, but an energy from which compassion, forgiveness, acceptance and connection develop. It is not enough to just feel love. It is the expression of Love that adds meaning to our existence. Unconditional Love for others emerges from the personal knowledge or experience of Love that lives on the inside. So, while you are busy with the desire to show others how much you care for them, take a little time to acknowledge yourself for being the source of this love. It all begins with you.
This year I wish to make this Valentine’s Day sharing more personal. As far back as I can remember, I have always loved many people in my life. However, as I reflect on my experience of Love, I realize that I rationalized most, if not all, of my emotions. Therefore, Love was more of a thought process and less of a Spiritual experience. I went through life without any knowledge of the power of Love. There was no one, except for my grandmother, who gave me that feeling of profound warmth and complete safety. I was frozen inside and my heart was protectively closed. I was completely unaware that there was something fundamentally missing in my experience of life.
When I found the work with the breath, my life began to change. Slowly, step by step, I began to know myself in a different way. My defenses were strong and I lived in a contracted body without understanding why I felt so much physical distress. On the outside, there was no reason why I was carrying so much tension. As I stayed with the breath, it became my guide and I began to trust each encounter and every incident that presented itself. It was not an easy journey, but it saved my life. Of this, I am sure!.
My heart was slow to open and that was how it needed to be. I began to feel on levels that had been asleep for decades. Over time my understanding of Love came to life. It was no longer a simple thought in my mind, but it was visceral and I felt it throughout my body. It was emotional, energetic, and powerful. The path of unfolding was both wonderful and frightening as my limits stretched. I am blessed to have found Love in myself, for myself. From there, it became natural to feel and express this emotion. My heart was open and my life was full.
I am blessed to love and be loved by many people. Some of these people are family and some are friends I have known for a very long time. Others, I have met only recently, but the connection is there. Most of us are surrounded by more love than we are consciously aware of. Sometimes we take love for granted and do not really acknowledge or appreciate those who share their hearts with us on a regular basis.
So, I invite you today to take a moment to bless all those, living or dead, who have loved you.Think of some of the people who have shared their love generously, without needing anything from you in return.Remember those who have touched your heart, shared their homes or supported you during difficult times.Take a moment to express gratitude to all of the wonderful beings who have taught you about Love.
The Breath of Love
It’s all about Love and it’s plain to see.
Each moment is precious to and to me.
Just Breathe into your heart and allow Love to flow.
It knows where it’s needed, it knows where to go.
It goes under the story, there is nothing to say.
It touches each person in its own special way.
Your lover, your parents, your children and friends,
Love is eternal. No beginning, no end.
When you need it the most, the support will be there.
Love’s arms wrap around you and provide gentle care.
So, what needs to happen to open your heart?
It’s not up to others, you play your part.
Compassion and forgiveness is the song to sing.
To all you encounter, pure love you will bring.
Your breath is the answer, it shows you the way.
It connects you to life and the joy in each day.
So take just a moment to breathe and let go.
Watch the Love inside you continue to grow.
No effort required, there is nothing to do.
Love is your essence, it’s natural for YOU!
by Carol A. Lampman