Today is Valentine’s Day and let us all try to become Valentinians. What should we experience to accomplish this?

Be connected with the yogic principles and Saint Valentine. Who was he? He was a compassionate and caring person, who looked after all of God’s creatures, from the lowest animal to mankind. He was a practitioner of atmabhava, lover of humanity and we celebrate his memory on this day.

On this lovely day let us all connect with the feelings of love, compassion and kindness. It is a day when we are able to connect with the purity of our spirit, which is expressed as love for all. Make it a way of life.

Swami Satyananda Saraswati declared in 2010, that Valentine’s Day was a day for children. Let us all share Valentine’s Day with children. Be creative in your approach. Take them for a walk, let them hear the birds and the sound of the breeze, falling of the leaves. Teach simple asanas to them and teach them Anapana, which is a form of Vipasana.

You may ask why Anapana and not any other pranayama? The reason is that I have been teaching children, who live on the streets with their parents this practice. It is very effective and enables them to concentrate without thinking about it.

The practise of Anapana

Attention is kept on the area below the nostrils and above the upper lip. Remain aware of the cool breath going in and the warm breath coming out. Children will also learn from what Saint Valentine wished us to absorb. Love mother nature and yourself. This leads to resilience and fearlessness.

Our associations with Valentine’s Day are sweets, cards and gifts. We show our love, affection and emotions, when we send these gifts and cards. It is a lovely way to share Valentine’s Day like this.

What happens to the child, teenager or young adult, who does not receive a card or candy? Is it fair to make someone feel unloved and unwanted? Therefore, the practice of atmabhava enables all of us to be in the charmed circle of life. Give and receive love.

We can all become Valentinians by practicing atmabhava. Just think that we will remain expectation free and when we receive, our hearts will be full of joy.

Love cannot be found where it doesn’t exist, nor can it be hidden where it truly does. – William Shakespeare

Aim Hrim Klim

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash