RECLAIMING VALENTINE'S DAY
Throughout the month of February we commonly
will hear much disillusionment about Valentine's Day and its
commercialism. In its narrow interpretation this day has become one
that excludes all but those involved in a romantic relationship.
Yet according to many of our Latin American neighbors, this day is
not simply about romance, but rather about expressing appreciation
for others. "Dia del Amor y la Amistad" literally translates into a
day of love and friendship. Guatemalans refer to this day as the
"day of the affection" and it is commonly celebrated with acts of
appreciation for friends and loved ones. This perspective invites
our acknowledgement of many types of love that all of us
participate in, a more expansive and inclusive notion about "deep
and tender feelings for others." We would like to challenge all of
us to reclaim this month of love by broadening our perspective and
becoming intentional in the expressing of
our affections in this more comprehensive fashion.
During each week of February we are suggesting that we adopt a
specific emphasis for our expressions of appreciation:
Week 1: Honoring
History - Recall an individual from your personal
history who has made a significant contribution to your life. What
do you most appreciate about the manner in which they have lived
their life? How did they positively impact your life? How might
your life be different without their influence? The thoughts of
this individual can be held throughout the week to honor them
within your own heart. If possible, a verbal or written expression
of gratitude to this person or to their family members could be
shared. Our history is reflective of the power of love in our
lives. What a better month to celebrate its impact!
Week2: Honoring the
Invisible - We are surrounded by people who are often
overlooked, minimalized, lonely, or forgotten. Who comes to your
mind as you read these words? How might you extend yourself in some
small way toward this person during this week? What small gesture
of acknowledgement might you offer to indicate your awareness and
appreciation for them? Reflect on the struggle to extend yourself
and the feelings evoked upon completion of this challenge to honor
the invisible.
Week 3: Honoring the
Cherished - Select someone in your life today that
"feeds your soul" in meaningful ways. Make time this week to call
or visit this person and express your joy for having him or her in
your life. Recall the events which brought you into one another's
lives and celebrate your good fortune for having crossed paths.
Make a mental note of the attributes you most appreciate in
them.
Week 4: Honoring the
Self - That's right...it is time to celebrate loving
yourself! Spend a minimum of two hours this week doing something
just for you. This has to be based strictly on "want to" and not
"need to, ought to, or have to!" See your follow-through as a gift
of love offered to yourself. How difficult was it to complete this
assignment? Only after loving our self can we share fully with
another.
So here is to our intentional living
into a more expansive experience with Valentine's month. May we
celebrate the countless expressions of love in our life, and may we
take these 28 days to become more mindful in sharing our gratitude
to those whose touch has uplifted us.
