Ahimsa.

It's a practice of non-violence....of compassion...of non-judgement....of gentle acceptance. It's a practice of kindness. It's a practice of love.

It is - according to the Sutras and ancient teachings of yoga - the foundation of the many practices that follow. It is yoga's heart and soul.

And - it's Valentine's Day.

It's the 14th of February. It's a hallmark-created holiday that is all about love. Altho I'm not one to buy into the commercial consumerism of it all...I do wonder if there's a greater meaning and lessons to be learned.

How do I define it? How do I explain it? How does it endure the test of time? How does it sustain? How does it feel - this thing called love?

What might the yogic-practices of ahimsa say about this day?

The body relaxes and releases. The sharp edges soften. A lifetime of shared experience blurrs. We give without needing in return. We listen without judgement. We learn to forgive. We offer up compassion - for one another and for ourselves. We share laughter...and we share tears.

It's never easy....but it's always simple. Isn't it?

Thru the practice of ahimsa - we learn to accept and appreciate. The gifts of time - and of just 'this'...just as 'this' is.

This Valentine's Day needs no chocolate or red roses. This Valentine's Day needs only this practice of non-violence...of kindness to ourselves and to others....of enduring love.