​Six Ways to Show Love and Devotion on Valentine’s Day

Given the popularity of Valentine’s Day, it’s truly surprising how little is actually known about the man (or woman) for whom the day is named.  While many differing legends exist, all at least agree that one or more people named Valentinus existed and that romantic love and devotion were central to his or her life.
 
These days, Valentine’s Day revolves around roses, balloon bouquets, chocolates and expensive dinners with loved ones. But what if we could expand upon that? What if we extended it throughout the month and indeed for the entire year? This Valentine’s Day, consider these six unique ways to show yourself, your loved ones, and even those you don’t know that you care.
 
1. Show your own heart some love. February is Heart Month. Feed yourself and family heart healthy meals. Explore the art of vegan cooking with the Ayurvedic Cooking for Spring class. Enjoy one of the many feel-good movement classes we offer such as Nia, belly dance, hooping or Doonya Bollywood- style dance to condition your heart and lungs.
 
2. Love your mind when you engage your brain in a new way. Make up a riddle, work a crossword puzzle, do some simple math in your head, or read a book. Consider attending an Ageless Grace demo with founder Denise Medved to learn how to keep your brain pliable and strong, here at the studio Feb. 21, or Soma Ranch Feb. 22. 
 
3. Give yourself some emotional release. Take a day off for a mini stay-cation. Indulge in a Chakra Body Dance class for energetic clearing with simple body movement and essential oils with founder JoAnn Scott. Or sign yourself up for a free therapeutic massage! 
 
4. Nurture your spirit. Forgive yourself. Use gentle language with yourself and others. Take the time to appreciate the beauty of simple things. Noticing someone else’s attention to detail is like giving a tiny gift. Plus it energizes your senses. Meditate. Book a Spirit Session with Carlos AyaRosas for guided personal inquiry or experience an evening of Trance Dance with Cambrey Lindsay.
 
5. Practice compassion. Focus for a moment on those beings who may be less fortunate than you, then do something about it! Just one small thing can make someone’s life better. Pay it forward with a donation of time or money to a charitable organization. Attend a One Billion Rising event to end violence against women.
 
6. Express gratitude. Step into a yoga class. Be grateful for the beautiful, magnificent body in which you live.  Bend it, stretch it, airbrush it, relax it. Your body is the temple of your soul. Let your gratitude shine from the inside out.
 
Have any other suggestions?  Leave your ideas here. However you choose to celebrate it, have a great Valentine’s Day!

​Angela Mestre

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