On February 14th many countries will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Originally a liturgical celebration, it has become a time when individuals express their love for each other through gifts, roses, chocolates, and greeting cards known as "valentines". While this occasion may seem to be more for couples, it can be expanded to include celebrating love for family and friends. That’s why this year, let’s share “the love”. It’s good for your health.
What is this thing called “love”? Is it more than an emotion? Yes. It’s a bundle of spiritual qualities that we embody in our thinking, attitudes and actions. These qualities include unselfishness, caring, kindness, thoughtfulness, respect, patience, gentleness and courage. When we share these at home or at work, we’re sharing the Love which permanently resides in our hearts and minds. So how do we do this?
LOVE YOURSELF FIRST
Does loving yourself seem strange, or difficult to do? Well, if you've ever travelled on a plane, you’ll know that you’re told to put your oxygen mask on first, before helping someone else. The same idea applies to loving. Before you share loving-kindness with family, friends and neighbours, you have to love yourself first.
TIPS:
- Love others, as you love yourself. The Bible – Matthew 22.
- Practice forgiving yourself, then you’ll be able to forgive loved-ones.
- Be patient with yourself. It’ll help you be patient with the kids.
- Treat yourself gently, then you’ll speak gently to workmates.
- Remind yourself that you’re doing well, then tell other people that they are too.
- Appreciate the good qualities that make you who you are, then look for the good qualities in others.
- Give yourself positive messages of encouragement, then encourage others to do better and aim higher.
LOVE OTHERS
Many years ago I received an anonymous Valentine’s card in the mail that simply said, “To Beverly from an admirer”. While the card was intriguing, it’s now my symbol of encouragement – confirmation that someone thought I was living a life worthy of appreciation.
TIPS:
- Look for opportunities to show your loving appreciation for the good way that others are living each day.
- Share your happiness. “Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it.” - Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p. 57
- Be a blessing to someone. Do something good for them. All it takes is a few seconds and a willing heart.
- Share “the love” - your goodwill, kindness and warmth towards others. It’s good for your health.
About the Expert
Health writer Beverly Goldsmith is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing. @GoldsmithBev
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