Metaphysical traditions teach that there are two basic human emotions: love and fear. Every feeling, every thought, every action can be traced back to one or the other energy. Energetic and body-centered traditions similarly focus on the opening of one’s energy field or chakras and releasing those places that are closed or locked.
Sure, Valentine’s Day is commercialized and tends to focus on romantic love, which is only one of the many flavors of love available to us. But it’s nice for one day to have at least a bit more attention in our society placed on love and connection, rather than on aggression and violence.
Consciously bringing the energy of love into whatever you’re doing helps clear away stuck or closed energy and opens up creativity and new possibilities.
But if you’re not feeling the love — if, instead, you’re feeling anxious, worried, or sad — it’s really hard to just flip the switch. It’s irritating to have someone say “just smile” or “decide to be happy” when you’re in pain or trapped in a cycle of self-criticism.
Here’s a heart-softening exercise that can help.
Set a timer for 1 minute.
Close your eyes and breathe easily.
Bring to your mind some being who you love: an animal, a family member, a close friend. See them in your mind. Recall in your mind and in your body the feeling of being in their presence. Just relax into that warmth. Feel your love for that animal or person.
And now, when the timer rings, gently open your eyes. From that feeling of love that you’ve reconnected with, ask yourself “what do I need right now?” Follow that guidance with compassion and curiosity, whether it’s doing, resting, or playing that your inner wisdom requires.
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