This is one day a year we're all centered on love. A day dedicated to love. And over the years the holiday's expression has expanded to the many ways we see love. Shops carry whole categories of Valentine's Day cards, for every relationship in our family, with friends and partners alike.

Let's meditate

In your meditation nook sit up straight on a cushion on the floor, or alternately on a chair with feet firmly planted on the floor. If you are sitting in front of a little altar light your candle; a red or pink candle would be appropriate to celebrate this holiday of love.

Burn a cone or stick of incense to remind you of the sweetness found in love. A vase of flowers next to your candle would be a perfect remembrance of St. Valentine's Day.

Close your eyes and begin a few rounds of even rhythmic breathing such as: count 1 breathe in; count 2 breathe out; count 3 breathe in and continue this steady pattern throughout your meditation. After a minute stop counting but continue the rhythm. Breath ties body to mind and regulating your breathing pattern calms the mind and relaxes the body; a heads up for harmony.

Take a few minutes to reflect with appreciation on the many forms of the one great love flowing through your life. Even though relationships are in different formats the underlying core of love - care - runs through all; both the warp and woof threads of the fabric of love.

You have the opportunity to create a beautiful tapestry of love in all its expressions by being kind, caring, considerate, respectful with all in your life. After all, a beautiful brocade is made with the finest threads in a pattern that takes time to weave. So, too, our relationships turn out the best through care and maintenance.

Now take a few moments to let your feelings of love for family and friends expand out to the world community - we all need to send loving care and harmony through us to those in strife.

Be a beacon of love that your inner light and actions brighten the lives of others; brighten your own life by acts of sharing and caring.

Finish your meditation with a deep breath in and slowly release it; open your eyes; stretch out and go on with your day, renewed and refreshed.

Article and photo of Swiss groundcover by Susan Kramer

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For offline reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.