Introduction:
Hey there, beautiful soul! If you're reading this, chances are you're facing the bittersweet challenge of spending/spent Valentine's Day without your loved one. Whether it's your significant other, family member, or dear friend, the love-filled reminders scattered across this holiday can be tough. Navigating loss can be complex, but fear not, for through meditation, self-care, and a sprinkle of laughter, we're here to help you make it through. So grab your favorite hoodie, something that reminds you of them, some essential oils or scented candles, and let's find strength anew in their absence!
1. The Hoodie: Your Comfy Armor
Sometimes, all we need is that cozy, oversized hoodie to wrap ourselves in, like an armor of warmth and comfort. We often associate our loved ones with the feeling of being enveloped in their embrace, so embrace the hoodie and let it serve as a physical reminder of their love. It’s like they're giving you a warm, gentle hug – even if it's just from a memory.
2. The Reminder: A Window to the Heart
Photographs and art have a remarkable way of capturing the essence of our emotions. Choose a piece of artwork that reminds you of your loved one – it could be a painting, a photograph, or even a hand-drawn scribble you made together. Hang it where you can see it daily, allowing it to serve as a beautiful window to your heart and a constant reminder of their presence in your life.
3. Essential Oils or Scented Candles: Harnessing Senses and Soothing Souls
Essential oils possess incredible healing properties. Find scents that evoke positive memories, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or utilize your favorite scented candle whichever one makes you feel at peace linen or vanilla. Psychologists suggest that smells are deeply tied to our memories, even the beloved scent of freshly baked cookies. Engage your senses through aromatherapy, allowing these beautiful fragrances to whisk your mind to happier days – days filled with your loved one's laughter and unconditional love.
Embracing Meditation, Self-Care, and Laughter:
Now that you've gathered your comforting trio, it's time to delve into the practices that will truly help you navigate Valentine's Day without judgement, using self-care and compassion.
Meditation: Take a few moments each day to sit quietly, allowing your thoughts to come and go like clouds passing through the sky. Embrace the stillness, allowing yourself to connect with your loved one on a deeper, spiritual level. In this serene state, you'll find comfort and solace, as their love transcends physical boundaries. Guided meditations focusing on the breath, or mantra meditations are extremely soothing and can be found easily online.
Meditation Example: Find one that resonates with you. Allow emotions to come without judgement, acknowledge them, and allow them to pass. Do a body scan meditation allowing you to ease tension throughout your body, the stress of loss can be found in tight shoulders, clenched jaws, aching hearts. As you scan the body let go of all fears and worries, you are safe in this space that you have made, give yourself permission to be okay in this moment, choose to feel, be kind to yourself, let go of tensions, let go of sorrow, and smile remembering the love you shared with those you have lost.
Bring the mind back to your breath and when you feel in that serine place in-between being awake and so relaxed you could sleep, sit there for as many moments as you need. Count your breaths in 1, 2, 3, hold 1, 2, 3 out 1, 2, 3. The day, your life, the stresses will all be there again but in this moment right there wrapped in your hoodie, enjoying the scent of lavender and vanilla, seeing the picture you've chosen etched in your mind, in this moment all is well, your body is calm, mind is calm and may you be at peace.
When you are ready bring your attention back to your surroundings take several deep breaths exhaling fully, open your eyes, state a positive affirmation "I can do this", "I am worthy", "I am love".
Self-Care: Treat yourself like the treasured individual you are. Whether it’s indulging in a bubble bath, going for a long walk amidst nature's embrace, or relishing your favorite dessert guilt-free, self-care is the key to nurturing your heart. Empower yourself to find joy in little things, and remember, self-love can bloom even in the toughest of times.
Laughter: Ah, the remedy that never fails! Surround yourself with people who make you laugh until your stomach hurts – your friends, your family, and even some hilarious sitcom reruns. Laughter has the magical ability to uplift our spirits and remind us that joy exists even amidst sadness. So embrace the lighter side of life, and allow yourself to giggle, snort, and cackle like there's no tomorrow!
Quotes:
1. "The greatest tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it." - W. M. Lewis
2. "To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose is the next best." - William M. Thackeray
3. "Love is not a loss. It's a gain, even when it hurts. It teaches us, it changes us, and it shapes us into stronger versions of ourselves." - Unknown
Quotes on Love:
1. "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." - Aristotle
2. "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." - Audrey Hepburn
3. "Love is not about how many days, months or years you have been together. It is all about how much you love each other every day." - Unknown
Quotes on Love and Grief:
"The pain of grief is the price we pay for love." - Dr. Colin Murray Parkes
"In times of grief and sorrow, love is what carries us through, heals us, and helps us find solace once again." - Unknown
Conclusion:
Dear beautiful soul, navigating Valentine's Day Season, "The Season of Love" without your beloved can be challenging, but through meditation, self-care, and a little laughter, you can wade your way through this rollercoaster of emotions. Embrace the strength that lies within you, for you are resilient. Cherish their memory today and every day, and know that love transcends the physical realm. So, wrap yourself in that hoodie, hang that cherished photograph, let the healing essences of different scents, and meditation guide you. You are not alone – we're here for you, every step of the way.
Wishing you love, laughter, and endless memories to cherish. Happy Valentine's Day, kind soul!
AKay
The Zen Panda with AKay One Love Design offers Zen Therapeutic Mentoring which focuses on mindful body and emotional awareness, discussion therapy, Zen practices to help you heal and grow, meditative solutions, and more. If you are struggling with loss, grief, feeling stuck, or just want to become more connected body and mind we are here to help! Everyone is welcome! We offer several options depending on your needs and comfort level!
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