Dear mindful community,
This weekend is Valentine's Day, and I know that for some or many or
maybe even most of you, this is not a holiday you may be looking
forward to. If you are in a positive romantic relationship, I want to
invite you to practice a "Spiritual Valentine's Day" this weekend.
And if you are single or in a not-so-positive relationship, I also
want to invite you to practice a "Spiritual Valentine's Day" weekend
as well.
Here is the practice —
* If you are in a positive romantic relationship, I invite you to go
ahead and do whatever you have already planned for Valentine's Day.
But in addition, I invite you to also give a "Spiritual Valentine's"
card, or gift, or flowers to a few of your single friends. Perhaps
take them out to lunch or tea or an afternoon outing on Valentine's
Day. And if you and your partner agree to do this, you could also
even replace your dinner plans for two and throw a big dinner party
for all your single friends instead, as a way to celebrate a
"Spiritual Valentine's Day" where Divine Love in ALL of its forms (not
just romantic) can be celebrated on Saturday.
* If you are single, I invite you transform Saturday into a "Day of
Mindfulness" retreat for yourself, where you practice self-love,
self-care, self-nurture, and self-appreciation. Take yourself out to
a delicious healthy vegetarian lunch, take a mindful walk in Nature,
write in your journal, read a good spiritual book, enjoy the outdoors
in silence for a few hours, visit the museum or aquarium or zoo or
arboretum. Watch a YouTube video online of Thich Nhat Hanh or
Adyashanti or Eckhart Tolle or Byron Katie or Gangaji. Call up your
single friends and tell them how much you love them and appreciate
them. Or do some volunteer work this weekend. Celebrate a "Spiritual
Valentine's Day" where Divine Love in all ALL of its forms (not just
romantic) can be celebrated on Saturday.
* And if you are in a not-so-positive relationship, in addition to the
above suggestions, I invite you to create a "Beginning Anew" ceremony
with your partner. Or, if communication is too difficult for that,
then I invite you to write a "Beginning Anew" letter to your partner.
In short, the "Beginning Anew" process is composed of:
- Flower-Watering — expressing the positive qualities of your
partner, things you appreciate about them, the good that is in the
situation, and what you are grateful for.
- Beneficial Regrets — acknowledging any ways you may have been unskillful in words or actions toward your partner or in the situation.
- Sharing of Hurts — letting your partner know what felt hurtful for you, without blaming or anger [hint: this part of the letter should be much shorter than steps #1 and #2].
- Sharing of Hopes — ending the letter on a positive note with what your hopes are for yourself, your partner, the relationship, and the situation.
My dear mindful friends, you are all my spiritual lovers, and I
encourage all of us to practice True Divine Love this weekend by
practicing a "Spiritual Valentine's Day."
This idea of a "Spiritual Valentine's Day" came to me after an hour of
silent meditation this morning, so I think it may very well be an
inspired idea from the Divine.
Thank you and Namaste!
In the Infinite Light of Love and Life,
Brother ChiSing
www.AwakeningHeart.org
