LET IT BE EASY

Valentine's has passed. A holiday that can bring up so many mixed emotions. Excitement, Fear, Grief, Anticipation...Pressure.

Like so many other holidays, sometimes our intention becomes lost amidst the stress. Our cultural push to "prove ourselves" can cause us to take action for the sake of appearances or to avoid engaging with it all together.

Is it inevitable to succumb to societal ideas of how we celebrate? Is there a path outside of the prescribed "pass" or "fail" model where we can redefine holidays, using them as contemplative checkpoints to reflect on our values, deepen our connections, and create traditions that are meaningful, authentic, and help us live our best lives?

Maybe you navigated this Valentine's Day beautifully...or perhaps it felt like a headache, a disaster, or just another day.

Here are some reflection questions to explore how to engage with Valentines day in a way that feels good...maybe you won't even want to wait until next Valentine's but go ahead a try it on now.

• Let go of preconceived ideas of love and drop into the feeling, the real experience of love.

• Where does love feel alive in your life right now?

• Where might love be trying to grow in your life and how are you responding to it?

• What or who in your life could use some of your attention and appreciation?

• What is one simple way you could share love today?

• What is one simple way you could pay homage to and celebrate the love in your life right now?

Let it be easy. If it's not enjoyable, you're working too hard or coming from a place of duty or lack.  Shift your perception. Find a way to show love that also feels good to you. It can be as simple as a glance, a word, an act of service, an openness, a smile. Your attention is like a light that helps things grow. Choose wisely what you want to grow...