Love has so many meanings and layers. As we step into February, and Valentine’s Day advertising is everywhere, it makes us think of the traditional meaning of love.
Society generally teaches that you are supposed to love your family, and love between two people is a commitment. Often love gets associated with duty. As a result, many people feel that because they love someone, they are supposed to do what that person wants, regardless of their feelings about the matter. On the flip side, there is a belief that when someone loves you, they are supposed to do things for you.
Love takes so many forms, and the meaning is different for each of us. For those of us who have been through trauma, loving relationships can be complicated. We have all been touched by love and by someone telling us what love is supposed to be.
What is your definition of love? Have you considered what it means to you be loved, or to be loving to another person? Take a moment to think about this – outside of the definitions you were raised with, what does love feel like to you?
There is one grounding and unconditional form of love that we all have access to, no matter who we are or what we have been through – the Love of Source/God/Goddess/Universe. This is space for us to turn to regardless of what is going on in our lives. Source/God/Goddess/Universe asks nothing except that we open ourselves to this love and fully claim who we are in our Soul. When you are feeling low or alone, take a moment to disconnect from your reality and connect to Source/God/Goddess/Universe.
If you can, diffuse a soothing essential oil, light a candle, or put on soft music. Now close your eyes, breathe deeply for a few minutes, listening to the sound of your breath, and focus on the beat of your heart or the ticking of a clock – anything that allows you to quiet your mind. Relax every muscle in your body, starting from your toes and moving upward. In this space of calm and quiet, ask Source/God/Goddess/Universe to fill your being with love and serenity, and relax into this. You may feel a sensation or a feeling of calmness. Be in this moment, with no external input. If any thoughts surface, observe them and allow them to pass without focusing on them. Stay in the space as long as you can or as long as it feels good. If you only have five minutes to spend doing this, it will still recenter your being.
Love surrounds you right now. Tap into the love around you – set the intention to see this love and its manifestations in the world.
Decide what love means to you and what it feels like. You deserve this love. You deserve to feel the radiant joy of a love-filled life and you don’t need to be, do or behave in a certain way to be given this gift – it is yours to claim.
Many Blessings,
Santa
