Re-Writing Valentine’s Day

Let’s re-write what Valentine’s Day means.

Let’s decide it’s not just about being coupled;
it’s about being whole within ourselves.

Let’s decide it’s not just about our significant others, but more about love, compassion and kindness for everyone, including ourselves.

Instead of spending your money on flowers and chocolate, give a helping hand up to your fellow beings by giving some to a beggar on the street or donating it to a shelter for humans or animals.

Remember that holiday feeling of love and gratitude you had not two months ago?
Extend that same energy to everyone on Valentine's Day.

Let’s decide Valentine’s Day is about us all, instead of we two. Maybe our lovingkindness will deepen our own inner wellspring of love for self and others. 

 

Compassion 

by Miller Williams (1930–2015), American contemporary poet

 

Have compassion for everyone you meet,

even if they don’t want it. What seems conceit,

bad manners, or cynicism is always a sign

of things no ears have heard, no eyes have seen.

You do not know what wars are going on

down there where the spirit meets the bone.