St. Valentine's Day brings hearts and flowers to mind; perhaps we are thinking ahead with longing to spring-like weather. Light, love, warmth: all sentiments for this mid-winter holiday.
It is a day concentrated on remembering those we love in all our relationships with family and friends. Some may limit Valentine's Day celebrations to a particular loved one, but as we really think about it, the worldwide family needs and deserves our loving attention, too.
Meditation on expanding love
Begin by sitting in your favorite quiet spot. Close your eyes and do some rounds of even breathing, such as: breathe in 2 counts; breathe out 2 counts; breathe in 2 counts and continue on in this rhythmic pattern without actually saying the numbers during you whole meditation.
Turn your attention to thoughts of one you love and send rays of warmth their way. Now let those rays expand in loving thoughts for your family and friends and out to the universe.
Allow yourself to receive love in return from the world in the form of pure air and positive thoughts. Allow any negative thoughts to fall aside. Concentrate on loving and giving today of all days. Then your loving heart will expand and in the growing circle of love you'll receive back peace of mind, contentment, satisfaction, joy.
Finish your meditation with a deep cleansing breath in and slowly release it. Open your eyes; stretch out. If you keep a meditation journal take time to write any positive ideas that come to you. Now, go on with your day with a lightened and loving heart. Happy Valentine's Day.
Stretching borders of love
Increases experiences of love.
Meditation by Susan Helene Kramer
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For offline reading
Meditation Lessons for Teens and AdultsMore 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 KidsSitting, 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.
