As a Divine being, I imagine you live love every day.
The Spirit of Valentines Day extols the virtue of romantic love. But what about other kinds of love?
The Greeks defined several, some which I recently discovered when I did my research for today's blog. The new to me ones were Storge- family love, Ludas- playful childlike love, Pragma,- a mature love and deep understanding between long term partners.
I didn't find a term for love of pets, or nature, although I'm sure if I spent more time I would have found references to these.
I was familiar with Eros- romantic love, Philea- deep friendship and of course Agape, the highest frequency divine unconditional love for everyone.
There is also Philautia- self-love. There are two types of self love: narcisstic and a healthier version which enhances your wider capacity to love. It incorporates the notion that by liking and feeling secure in yourself you can give more love to others.
Or, as Aristotle put it, “All friendly feelings for others are an extension of a man’s feelings for himself.”
And "if you give yourself the love you seek the universe will send people who match it." Abraham
So what can you do to show yourself how much you love you? I came up with a few ideas for what I plan to do.
- Get out in nature more. I boosts my high vibeing chemical cocktails in my body.
- Go on an artist date every month or so. This practice suggested by Julia Cameron in her book the artists way is a delight for the senses. I like to go to a store like ten thousand villages where they sell international arts and crafts often done by indigenous people. Or I'll go to a gallery, museum or a place where I can actually touch creations to get a sensual experience. I usually don't spend any money, just appreciate the artists work and leave it for someone else to enjoy
- Do one new thing I've never done before once a month.
- Take more baths with candles, essential oils relaxing music and something to drink in a wine glass. Even if its just water with lemon it creates a beautiful ambiance.
I came across an Ode I wrote in celebration of self love. I'm going to experience it more often too.
I hope it inspires you to consider what daily practice you can cultivate to enhance your philautia.
Ode to Your Beloved
You are Your Beloved
Let the nectar of the gods
Kiss your eyelids
as you lie in luxurious rest
Open your eyes
and Gaze adoringly upon your Divine Glorious Self
Deeply Experience the Mysterium tremendum et fascinans** of this relationship with your Numinous Essence.
Hold yourself gently in a warm nurturing hug.
Lovingly Stroke your limbs, your whole body, your beautiful face
and thank them for supporting you.
You are the Gift the Universe gives you when you ask in quiet meditation.
Know your exceptional Beingness.
Bless Yourself.
You are a troubadour:
Sing your praises to the heavens.
Declare your undying Divine passion for you
Speak it out loud
I AM My Beloved
And So It Is.
- Gina-Dianne
Until next week I embrace you with an expanded heart and Much Love,
**unfathomable Mystery before whom we are awestruck and stand trembling, yet find ourselves inexorably drawn into relationship, attracted and fascinated in ways we cannot fully explain. term originated by Rudolph Otto, as explained by J. Edward Culpepper