FROM THE HEART

The dictionary definition of the word "love" is "a deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection." With an intellectual understanding, we can "love" a type of music, a certain movie, a particular season of the year, a pet, a person or group of people. Even though most of us have a philosophical notion about "love," how many people truly "feel" loving energy for everyone on our planet and all of nature? In other words, how many folks actually get out of their heads and into their hearts? I am continually amazed when a tragedy such as an earthquake or a flood comes to a part of the world and for approximately a week or two, most people hover over their televisions to keep abreast of the news and then seek a way in which to send aid to the needy. Shortly thereafter, however, people seem to return to the malls, to Hollywood hype, to the general "hooplah" of life. It is as if much of humanity has a short compassion span and even thinks, "Whew! I'm glad its not me!" I am certainly not advocating a continuous focus on the inharmonies of life because an ancient proverb teaches: "Power flows to the focus of attention." Thus, we do not want to stoke tragic fires. We do need rest and relaxation from life's rigors. However, I am suggesting that we add the entire planet to our prayers, meditations and "ineffable feelings of affection" in a profound manner.

February is the month of Valentine's Day, a time when pink and red hearts filled with succulent chocolates and tiny sugary hearts with cute messages are given to special people in our lives. If we consider the beginning of this day, we understand its universal implications. It began in the third century A.C.E. when a bishop in Terni, Italy named "Valentinus" performed marriage ceremonies against the edict not to do so by Claudius II who did not want soldiers having any home ties. He wanted their minds free of family concerns so that they could supposedly more easily fight wars for the Roman Empire. Consequently, engagements and marriages were literally outlawed for a time. Bishop Valentinus secretly married young lovers. When his "treason" was discovered, he was imprisoned in a dungeon and on February 14 was be-headed. Married couples reported miracles wrought in his name and he was eventually canonized as "Saint Valentinus." Thus, the day we honor a girlfriend, boyfriend, fiancé or spouse should also be a day to honor love in a universal manner as Valentinus endeavored to do.

Along with cards, candy, flowers and unique gifts, how about sending a special donation to a children's fund, taking gifts to a home for the aged, taking clothing and other items to victims of earthquakes and hurricanes, reading to children in a library? There are obviously numerous activities to engage in which demonstrate universal love. Of course, some people are always involved in serving others, but if enough of humanity was really involved in continuous service to our planet, we would not be experiencing planetary upheaval in such dramatic ways. We must remember that planetary experiences vibrate to human vibrational frequencies of consciousness. In simpler terms, "like attracts like" because humanity has been given dominion over the material plane.

Along with service in a physical manner, the following prayer is offered for spiritual focus and should be recited each evening before bed:

"Oh, Divine Light, who has taken me safely through this day, keep me safe in your loving arms, and allow me a peaceful and regenerative sleep. Let me awaken renewed, restored and fully healthy. I pray also at this time for the needs of the following persons: _______. Allow my Soul to be refreshed and return unto my physical being, Thy Divine creation, to protect and to guide me, and heal the Souls for all whom I have prayed, and return our planetary home to balance. Elevate our collective consciousness that we may care for our beautiful sphere as you have ordained us to do. Sacred Praises."

This prayer is based upon an ancient Kabbalistic formula. Like other paths, Kabbalists pray each evening for themselves as well as others. Then they meditate for an hour. Some recite the biblical Psalm 33 before meditation. Whatever individual paths we walk, the prayer is universal. Perhaps some persons may want to chant their mantram before or during meditation. Why not place a special pink ("Divine Love") candle on your altar next to a globe of the Earth and symbolically bathe our planet in love? Let us make this "Valentine's Day" and every one henceforth a time of both individual and universal caring and compassion. Let us get out of our heads and into our hearts and take "tender, ineffable love" to a higher level.

Dr. Schavi M. Ali, BA, MA PhD is an author, Egyptologist, Linguist, Reiki Master and Kabbalist. She conducts lectures and seminars on various spiritual topics and can be reached at (248) 357-7798 or email AtKemet@yahoo.com.