St. Valentine's Day Thoughts and Meditation

Take time to sit quietly in your favorite meditation place, whether it be a corner of your bedroom, a nook in the attic, or, weather permitting, a bench in your garden protected from sight of the neighbors.

When I meditate in the garden I sit on my bench that is in the back corner for protection from the wind and to be able to view the whole of my garden. It is also under the fronds of our palm tree so offers protection from direct sun.

Begin your quiet time by doing some rounds of even breathing such as one count to breathe in and one count to breathe out. Continue this even patterns throughout your meditation without actually saying the counts. Breath is the tie between body and mind: when we are agitated even breathing calms us down. It is a wonderful aid unseen by anyone else so we preserve our privacy while helping ourselves.

Now turn your attention to thoughts of love and care. Start first thinking of those you love and stretch that love to your community, the world, the universe, which in recent years has shown to my eyes is full of life, too. This is an opportunity to pray for unity between civilizations, whether of this world or between us and the diverse inhabitants of the cosmos.

Take time to think with appreciation for all that you have: family, friends, food, housing, and continue on. When we voice appreciation we are less likely to be complainers.

Finish your quiet time with a deep breath in and slowly release it. Now stretch out and continue your day in a happy way.

Happy St. Valentine's Day to all.

For offline reading

Meditation Lessons for 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.

***

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.

Article by Susan Helene Kramer; photo credit Stan Schaap