This week, we're focusing on 4 simple steps that you can take to cultivate more love in your life, your work, and your relationships at home, work, and beyond! It is fitting that each step spells out the word LOVE itself!
When was the last time you spent a few extra seconds admiring something? If you catch sight of an eagle, or a blossoming flower, or an immaculate piece of art, how long are you appreciating the moment for? By shifting the focus away from "future thinking," or quickly moving from one thing to the next great thing you find, it robs the value of living in the moment. No beautiful sight to see will stay etched in the memories of your heart.
Challenge: Embrace the idea of the linger the next time you're caught in a happy moment. Taking the first sip of that luxuriously sweet latte? Give yourself 30 seconds to extend gratitude and get excited about that first sip. Looking at beautiful artwork? Find three things that make that art piece particularly special to you before walking away.
Think of lingering as expanding the tank size of your love gas tank; the more you allow yourself to sink into the aspects of love in every form, you create more space to love in all areas of your life.
Similar to, but unlike linger, to observe is to look at. You may spend all of your time lingering on the moments of beauty all around you, but without observing the nature of your own life you cannot elevate yourself. Observe just how you express and accept love; are you giving a multitude of love and hesitant to accept it from others? Do you carry your love within to avoid feeling hurt and rejected? Give yourself the time to dive deep into your ideas of love and how they shape you as a person.
Challenge: Find a journal and take 10 minutes each day to write about love. Whatever idea stems off of the word love is perfect; there are no rules about what should be written. After just 7 days, you'll have a collection of the unique principles and ideas that form your own unique experience of love.
Vanquish
There are a few different definitions of the word vanquish, and for this purpose the definition of choice is "to gain mastery over." When it comes to love, one of the sensations we relate to is the idea of vulnerability. Without opening up, we cannot express and receive love freely.
If love is an act of admiration from within, it is impossible to do so without vanquishing any shadows that live among the chambers of the heart.
Expound
The final step to enrich your life with more love is to expound, or present and explain, your findings with those around you! Love is a dish best served with the largest dinner party of all of your favorite people! What are the unique traits that make your best friend so darn lovable? How do your family members contribute to your experience of love? Find small ways to share just how special everyone in your life is to you! Without freely expressing love to others, we hold stagnant energy in the love gas tank of our hearts.
Challenge: Send a digital greeting card (or snail mail!), create a poem, or find the perfect small gift to let those people know just how special they are to you. Sharing a smile and a kind word with those you love is one of the most beneficial ways to welcome more love into your life!
How do you experience love in your life? Will you be trying out the 4 steps to cultivate and evolve your ideas, sensations, and experiences of love? Where do you find your greatest inspirations? We'd love to hear your suggestions for Wellness Wednesday topics in the future! Share your stories and findings with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #rylwellnesswed and #roswellyogalife! |