We perceive and interpret countless thoughts throughout the day. Many people do not realize that we have two distinct levels of our mind. The higher mind, and the lower mind. The two levels of mind are in operation at moment in time. In order to live an optimal life, a balance of both is needed.
THE LOWER MIND – FEAR, DOUBT & DISBELIEF
The operations and movement of life on planet earth are usually interpreted through our lower mind. The lower mind is the concrete mind, which focuses on logic, reason and fact. Because it is factual in nature, the thinking is very linear (which logic usually is), and keeps us in a limited belief cycle. Because the lower mind is limited coupled with facts based on past limitations, this keeps us in the same cycle of accessing limited beliefs.
The lower mind is the representation of our wounded or damaged ego. Some say this is the deception part of our mind because it convinces the ego we are limited and are separate from universal power and truth. Manipulation results as the ego believes in needs to lie and cheat his or her way through to success. The ego has many layers but include two prominent gateways, the inferior and superior ego. The inferior ego is the part of having a low self-esteem and not thinking you are good enough or worthy. The superior ego is the part of thinking that you are better and smarter than everyone else, and no one can do the job like you can. If a person is aggressive and violent and has a superior ego complex, he or she can become dangerous. Physiologically speaking, the reptilian brain also known as the instinctual or dinosaur brain, is the lowest part of the brain. The reptilian brain is based on autopilot survival modes of fight or flight. The lower mind activates the need to procreate and mate and to stay safe. Spiritually, the lower mind houses negative thoughts and emotions. Fear also operates here, which triggers negative thinking and behaviors. This is why movies, the news and video games have such an impact on our brains, because it instills fear and triggers lower mind thinking. This is the part of us that is skeptical, analytical, materialistic and opinionated. This keeps us in our old patterns, belief systems and ways, which does not encourage growth and faith. For some, they’ll continue to repeat the same karmic patterns until they’ve learned to tap into the higher mind. Since the lower mind operates on logic, the business world, financial establishments, schools and governments are mainly operated in this level of thinking. Therefore, so many people are losing “faith” in these organizations because nothing ever changes in these establishments besides the date and some new faces. THE HIGHER MIND – PURE KNOWLEDGE & DIVINE DESIGN
The higher mind is the gateway to our soul and intuition. This is the part of your mind that your higher self is communicating through. The higher mind surpasses ego, transcends boundaries and holds universal truths. This is the part of the mind that knows no matter how difficult the situation is, we are loved, worthy and continuously protected and guided by the divine and God. This is the part inspired by beauty, vulnerable emotions, aspirations, ideals and archetypes.
The higher mind is the entryway to genius ideas, creative power and innovative ideas/solutions. Your intuition communicates to you through your higher mind. Positivity and the silver lining perspective also speaks to people through their higher mind. Many things in life are illogical because spiritual experiences are not always linear or concrete like our lower minds tend to analyze. The higher mind does not worry about the “how.” It knows a change or something will occur, but “how” it will happen is not the worry.
THE KEY TO LIFE IS BALANCING BOTH MINDS
The higher and the lower mind continuously plays mind games. Most people need to break the habit of hanging out in the lower mind. When the lower mind is triggered, some people react with visceral emotions or impulses and are like wild animals needing to be tamed.
The goal is to calm the lower mind, and began to tap into the higher mind to receive answers and guidance. If people can open the lower mind, but allow leadership from the higher mind, many profound changes can occur in life. Imbalances occur because people tend to live primarily in the higher or lower mind. Artists continuously tapped into their creative power sometimes cannot navigate on planet earth. Those continuously living in their lower mind will never ascend because of fear or believing in that there is nothing better out there for them. One example is say someone is a sugar addict or a smoker. The body feels like crap long term and eventually the higher mind is going to start “crying” and request that the body start eating healthier or stop smoking. Using logic, one may start to research support groups, cessation products or a health coach. A person who experiences childhood trauma may feel permanently lost or damaged enough to where they unworthy of love and acceptance. These people tend to live in the past and need to focus on changing the present and connecting to a higher source for help and healing. The higher mind can lead them out of mental anguish and despair, but it takes a while to retrain the brain and rewire the neurons to get out of negative thinking patterns. What are your thoughts on the higher vs. the lower mind? Let's Connect!
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 Is your mind playing tricks on you? Or are you really, truly receiving a message from God? First in order to understand where I am going with this post, we must read the "Parable of the Flood," story. A terrible storm came into a town and local officials sent out an emergency warning that the riverbanks would soon overflow and flood the nearby homes. They ordered everyone in the town to evacuate immediately. A faithful Christian man heard the warning and decided to stay, saying to himself, “I will trust God and if I am in danger, then God will send a divine miracle to save me.” The neighbors came by his house and said to him, “We’re leaving and there is room for you in our car, please come with us!” But the man declined. “I have faith that God will save me.” As the man stood on his porch watching the water rise up the steps, a man in a canoe paddled by and called to him, “Hurry and come into my canoe, the waters are rising quickly!” But the man again said, “No thanks, God will save me.” The floodwaters rose higher pouring water into his living room and the man had to retreat to the second floor. A police motorboat came by and saw him at the window. “We will come up and rescue you!” they shouted. But the man refused, waving them off saying, “Use your time to save someone else! I have faith that God will save me!” The flood waters rose higher and higher and the man had to climb up to his rooftop. A helicopter spotted him and dropped a rope ladder. A rescue officer came down the ladder and pleaded with the man, "Grab my hand and I will pull you up!" But the man STILL refused, folding his arms tightly to his body. “No thank you! God will save me!” Shortly after, the house broke up and the floodwaters swept the man away and he drowned. When in Heaven, the man stood before God and asked, “I put all of my faith in You. Why didn’t You come and save me?” And God said, “Son, I sent you a warning. I sent you a car. I sent you a canoe. I sent you a motorboat. I sent you a helicopter. What more were you looking for?” Often times we have thoughts in our heads, or prayers to God that we may not realize is truly be heard from the unforeseen world. The key to understanding signs is to know whether the sign comes from the light or the dark. So many people experience synchronicities, which they believe are messages from God. I agree, but at certain times of my life, I experienced these synchronicities that I believe rooted from darkness. When logically analyzing the messages, you have to see what you are experiencing and how your intuition reacts to that experience. Some people with karmic bonds will experience synchronicities, but this situation or experience is merely a test to see in what direction of life you'll go into. Some karmic bonds are invitations to do shadow work, and though signs were there, that person or experience is not for your higher good. The "sign" is to walk away, bless, forgive and let go. Signs come in many shapes, sizes, directions, thoughts and feelings. Mystical and religious people have different view points on signs. I've known many Christian people who say signs from animals or nature are mere coincidences meanwhile other philosophies believe nature communicates to humans and are messengers from God. We live in a logical world, and most people can handle logical signs from God. If people had visions of spirit beings they would most likely freak out, not able to handle the intensity. So many people crave divine signs or experiences that is so "explosive" it looks like it comes out of a Hollywood movie. It doesn't work like that. I will share one story. A person I knew was financially struggling. She kept having conversations and worries stir in her brain about needing help. Low and behold, within hours someone comes to her door and provides a bag of pet food as this woman knew she was strapped for cash. Was this a sign from God? Absolutely. We must be grateful for each and every gift from the divine. A million dollars or a winning lottery ticket just doesn't pop into our lives. In my analysis, that sign is a message from God saying that you've been heard, and I will take care of you. Maybe your soul is crying inside from overworking, and then you keep seeing the words or advertisements about Yosemite, and you've always wanted to visit that park. Maybe its a sign to take a break and book a vacation. Or put your soul's desires first by visiting the park, which is your dream. One client once lived in Hawaii. His aunt has been ill. One evening in Seattle there was a double rainbow that lasted over an hour. He got the inkling that his aunt just died because this was a sign in Hawaiian culture about rainbows being a bridge to heaven. Later that evening he got a call that his aunt indeed passed away that day. Signs are signs. They are guiders, but are not strict rules. Some signs are prophetic, others are just divine messages trying to guide you into a certain direction in life. If something is meant to happen, it will. Remember the divine has no timeline. Some signs and synchronicities occur for years before something actually cultivates. You must check with your intuition and see what feelings arise when the signs come. Just don't miss the boat because you are expecting something that originates from a fantasy. 
People who do not have a spiritual foundation do not understand the purpose of our souls being here on earth. Most people think of planet earth as a playground to enjoy life an in the material world. Now this is not to say that we shouldn't have fun in life, but we are here to grow and evolve our souls. Every soul has a mission and chooses it's life in order to grow, evolve and conquer hardships. But the main reason for our soul is to understand love.
Our souls are here to understand how to give and receive love and learn how to forgive themselves & forgive others.
Each and every soul has a different mission in life. Many forms of spirituality speak that love is the main reason for us being here. We are here to understand love from various angles and lenses. We need to love ourselves (not to the point of narcissism). We need to let people in to show us love. We need to share our love with others. We need to love our home and our planet.
The Bible contains great wealth of information and speaks of love 64 times. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. — 1 Corinthians 13:13 ESVWhoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8
God loves his children. And we are children of God. God is love. And love is a complex energy. There is a light and dark side of love. All of God's love comes from the light, which also includes understanding forgiveness.
When you know, understand and experience love, you know God. We often equate love to romance, which is where we learn most of our lessons, but love is a relationship of all kinds. And this is why community and the family nucleus is so powerful. In today's world of independence, we see people trying to receive love in many forms. Throughout my time of being single post divorce, I notice so many people bury themselves in work, projects, school or additional hobbies to receive some form of love and acceptance. Love, like anything in life, is a choice. You can choose to give love, and be open to receiving it. Love is selfless and should not have expectations, though reciprocity is necessary for long term growth.
Planet earth is a ghetto, and we will endear many hardships in this fallen world. One of the greatest forms of love is through forgiveness of other people's actions and to release feelings of anxiety, revenge and vengeance against the other person.
In this digital age, and age of social isolation, it is easy to find acceptance and fulfillment through online communities, artificial intelligence and pornography. Nothing is stronger than the human emotion, and nothing can replace real life intimacy physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual intimacy. Knowing love is knowing yourself and having awareness of your actions and what affects you. Knowing love is respecting everything on this planet from the earth to animals. Knowing love is understanding we are here to serve and uplift ourselves and humanity. God is love. He wants you to love Him, and trust in Him. He also wants you to spread love on the planet. Love yourself. Love your home. Love your parents and others even if they disappointed you. Some research states that it takes men 8.2 seconds to fall in love. The heart has no limit in its capacity of unconditional love, but we must also use our head in order for that to not be taken advantage of, or our kindness used against us. What do you think about love? Let's Connect! Check out my other YouTube videos!
In our physical body, cancer represents the life which is not governed by order and the result of disharmony between the cells of the body. Cancer is like a parasite. Parasites feed off a host body in order to survive. Similarly, cancer cells consider the body as a host, which they exploit ruthlessly to achieve their goals.
Many people live a long and healthy physical life, but spiritually suffer. And most suffer because of pride and ego. In the spiritual world, C.S. Lewis considered pride to be a spiritual cancer. “For pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.”
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America is nutritionally confused. And for good reason. Marketing and false promises are the forefront of every nutritional belief.
Every system, diet or program "guarantees" results if you follow their every step. So many people try with good intentions, but sadly fail. Does this mean they have a lack of willpower? Does this mean they're stupid? Or that they're a total failure?
No. Absolutely not. America is "food confused" because of so many systems out there. Unlike other parts of the world, where ancient cultures are still connected to the land, or consume specific foods during harvest season, most Americans have lost touch to the basics of agriculture and simple eating.
So what is the missing ingredient in the world of nutrition?
Every system, diet or program "guarantees" results if you follow their every step. So many people try with good intentions, but sadly fail. Does this mean they have a lack of willpower? Does this mean they're stupid? Or that they're a total failure?
No. Absolutely not. America is "food confused" because of so many systems out there. Unlike other parts of the world, where ancient cultures are still connected to the land, or consume specific foods during harvest season, most Americans have lost touch to the basics of agriculture and simple eating.
So what is the missing ingredient in the world of nutrition?
It is our spirit, which is missing.
America has lost touch with it's body and it's bodily awareness through the last few decades. Although it's making a comeback, the combination of desk jobs, technological devices, and artificial foods have "blocked" Americans not only from their spirit, but also from the connection and energy of the land.
Nutrition from a logical lens nourishes, or fuels, us, but more from a weight loss/gain perspective. It's the energy balance equation. If you eat more than you expend you gain weight. If you eat less than you expend you lose weight. Although this philosophy contains truth, there is a missing link.
Nutrition from a logical lens nourishes, or fuels, us, but more from a weight loss/gain perspective. It's the energy balance equation. If you eat more than you expend you gain weight. If you eat less than you expend you lose weight. Although this philosophy contains truth, there is a missing link.
A calorie is a unit of energy. And what you consume energetically matters not only nutritionally, but emotionally, psychologically and mentally. We've lost touch in fueling the spirit, where today we use food for superficial reasons. This in itself is spiritual and understand the spiritual context of food created by God.
Viewing nutrition through a spiritual lens ignites a fresh perspective, seeing food through a new light.
God's wisdom is profound. Depending on whether you believe in creation or evolution, we can all agree that food from nature provides the necessary nutrients that the human body needs for optimal function.
I believe some issues related to obesity is due to a lack of one's connection to spirit. Most people on this planet crave "something more." This "something more" is our soul, or our higher self talking to us.
God's wisdom is profound. Depending on whether you believe in creation or evolution, we can all agree that food from nature provides the necessary nutrients that the human body needs for optimal function.
I believe some issues related to obesity is due to a lack of one's connection to spirit. Most people on this planet crave "something more." This "something more" is our soul, or our higher self talking to us.
Food is medicine and heals us internally as well as promotes exterior beauty.
Our physical body is the vessel that our soul uses to connect to the Divine. When clean, healthy and whole, our bodies continue to "bring in" more of the light. This light inspires us to further nourish our heart and soul.
Many ancient traditions considered the body sacred, believed that taking care of the body ensure's one health and longevity. in simple terms, the body is a temple. Interior beauty is just as important as exterior beauty. You can read more at my other blog link, Why You Should Treat Your Body as a Temple.
Not only is nutrition important, but ancient cultures also believed in the art and well-being of movement, holistic medicine, relaxation techniques and adequate sleep. These traditions viewed the body not as God, but as a vehicle to God.
So what makes these ancient cultures different than today? These cultures had a spiritual foundation.
Many ancient traditions considered the body sacred, believed that taking care of the body ensure's one health and longevity. in simple terms, the body is a temple. Interior beauty is just as important as exterior beauty. You can read more at my other blog link, Why You Should Treat Your Body as a Temple.
Not only is nutrition important, but ancient cultures also believed in the art and well-being of movement, holistic medicine, relaxation techniques and adequate sleep. These traditions viewed the body not as God, but as a vehicle to God.
So what makes these ancient cultures different than today? These cultures had a spiritual foundation.
Without a spiritual foundation, nutritional knowledge can only go so far.
No matter how strict one's diet is with adequate vitamins, minerals and vegetables, one is still susceptible to health issues. This doesn't mean that one should not attempt towards better health, but without stable emotions and a mindset and a connection to God, nutrition can only be taken so far.
In today's world, we have a surface level understanding of nutrition thanks to marketing and quick-fix gimmicks.
Children are natural intuitive eaters, but adults once we enter the "real world" we experience eating a myriad of complex eating issues. Some eat their emotions due to stress, loneliness or depression. Some don't eat because of body image issues. We adopt beliefs around the "right and wrong" foods.
In today's world, we have a surface level understanding of nutrition thanks to marketing and quick-fix gimmicks.
Children are natural intuitive eaters, but adults once we enter the "real world" we experience eating a myriad of complex eating issues. Some eat their emotions due to stress, loneliness or depression. Some don't eat because of body image issues. We adopt beliefs around the "right and wrong" foods.
We need a mix of nutritional and spiritual enlightenment.
We are more than just a body, but a vehicle containing a spiritual source. Please read the upcoming blog post that discusses questions one should ask regarding their spiritual foundation and nutritional knowledge.
Each and every day that we wake up with the morning sun is a blessing. We've made it another day, and no matter how hard life gets, just being alive is a blessing in disguise.
The world has been messed up since the dawn of man. If life is a battle between the light and the dark, it is no wonder hardship and suffering is a part of this planet. Spiritual people believe the soul incarnates to planet earth to learn various lessons and to grow its soul.
The world has been messed up since the dawn of man. If life is a battle between the light and the dark, it is no wonder hardship and suffering is a part of this planet. Spiritual people believe the soul incarnates to planet earth to learn various lessons and to grow its soul.
It's no secret that humans desire change, specifically at the collective level. And many people crave change at work and are great at improving themselves professionally, but not personally or spiritually.
Some people take their spiritual growth and relationship with God seriously, where others think this type of mentality is non-sense. Regardless of what one believes, every single day we wake up with the morning sun presents us with an opportunity to change, grow and evolve ourselves.
Some people take their spiritual growth and relationship with God seriously, where others think this type of mentality is non-sense. Regardless of what one believes, every single day we wake up with the morning sun presents us with an opportunity to change, grow and evolve ourselves.
Change takes time. Sometimes it happens overnight, but for most people it is a continuous process and most find successful change when enlightening themselves and detaching from the material world.
Even thinking about changing, or pondering about a better life, is the first step to any change. You first must have some thoughts and then eventually take action.
Most people cannot change alone. They require a support system. Logically, this would include family, friends, counselors, healers or anyone with the ability to guide others. Christians believe we need God and Christ to help us through our evolution in life.
If we are in the driver's seat of our own life, we must take responsibility for our thoughts, actions and behaviors and we are solely in charge of our emotional health and well-being.
Isn't that an amazing blessing and gift? To be able to wake up every day and start again - whether in thought or in behavior pattern - and continue to improve our lives each and every day.
What do you think? Do you think every day is an ability to change? If you have any personal experiences that can help other people, please comment below!
Even thinking about changing, or pondering about a better life, is the first step to any change. You first must have some thoughts and then eventually take action.
Most people cannot change alone. They require a support system. Logically, this would include family, friends, counselors, healers or anyone with the ability to guide others. Christians believe we need God and Christ to help us through our evolution in life.
If we are in the driver's seat of our own life, we must take responsibility for our thoughts, actions and behaviors and we are solely in charge of our emotional health and well-being.
Isn't that an amazing blessing and gift? To be able to wake up every day and start again - whether in thought or in behavior pattern - and continue to improve our lives each and every day.
What do you think? Do you think every day is an ability to change? If you have any personal experiences that can help other people, please comment below!
If there is one great lesson I learned in divorce support group, it is that expectations leads to disappointment and possible destruction of a relationship. People, like horses, have blinders and are sometimes not aware of their actions (or lack of action). Bringing this to one's attention is not only important, but it is imperative to be empathetic and reasoning on where a person is at in their present moment.
People enter our lives with their own life experience, which includes good and bad times. This molds and shapes them into who they are in the present. When in a romantic experience, people will shift and change, hopefully for the better.
So how do you meet people where they're at?
People enter our lives with their own life experience, which includes good and bad times. This molds and shapes them into who they are in the present. When in a romantic experience, people will shift and change, hopefully for the better.
So how do you meet people where they're at?
Asking Questions
It is important to have good communication and ask questions on where the person is at. Like a job interview, the interviewers will ask candidates a variety of questions. It is important to know where a person is at, and how he/she got there. Where are they now? And where are they going? And people have blinders. Exposing blinders, or limitations, in a diplomatic way helps one become aware on their areas that require improvement.
Self Examination & Communication
Self examination is something that is desperately needed today. Too many people are wrapped up in their own world of self-absorption that they cannot empathize or see various perspectives. If someone brings up an issue, you need to take their feelings seriously and look within to discern their statement. This is best handled diplomatically, where you can present your case or "rebuttal" on their response.
For some people this is not easy to do as they take everything offensively; however, if you find yourself stuck in the same situations or behavior loops, it is necessary to look within. With this, it is important to find tools (or make goals) on how to improve the situation.
Communication makes or breaks any relationship. It is essential, but maturity is what keeps communication fluid and clear. I believe in clear, concise and straightforward communication because it does not play any mind games. It maybe best to avoid words like should, would and could because they are theoretical and leads to expectations like, "You could have done it this way."
Low emotional intelligence, being defensive or chronically on-attack, damages situations. It is not easy to reach these people, especially if "treading" on egg shells.
Check-ins may be necessary to make sure each party is happy or on the same page.
It is important to see where a person is at in their life and meet them half way. We must learn how to let go of uneven desires and become the best version of ourselves (and better communicators).
Let's Connect!
For some people this is not easy to do as they take everything offensively; however, if you find yourself stuck in the same situations or behavior loops, it is necessary to look within. With this, it is important to find tools (or make goals) on how to improve the situation.
Communication makes or breaks any relationship. It is essential, but maturity is what keeps communication fluid and clear. I believe in clear, concise and straightforward communication because it does not play any mind games. It maybe best to avoid words like should, would and could because they are theoretical and leads to expectations like, "You could have done it this way."
Low emotional intelligence, being defensive or chronically on-attack, damages situations. It is not easy to reach these people, especially if "treading" on egg shells.
Check-ins may be necessary to make sure each party is happy or on the same page.
It is important to see where a person is at in their life and meet them half way. We must learn how to let go of uneven desires and become the best version of ourselves (and better communicators).
Let's Connect!
Whether people want to believe in it or not, most people at some point in their life crave meeting their soul mate. Every spiritual guru has a different perspective on this, but what I can tell you is that in our lives we meet people with whom we have a deeper soul bond or connection to.
Most crave this in a romantic sense, but some of these connections can be platonic especially if one person is already in a committed relationship. Soul mates teach us some of the most important lessons in life. Like a mirror, they shake things up and force us to look at our inner world in order to change.
These connections are not to be taken lightly or to be wasted. Fear causes people to run away and hide because that is easier than looking in the mirror. The law of attraction has its merit. God works miracles and sometimes souls are separated and then reunited as each person is on his or her path of growth in life. When ready, they will meet again if it is meant to happen. And there is no accidental meeting between two souls, whether the connection is for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Most crave this in a romantic sense, but some of these connections can be platonic especially if one person is already in a committed relationship. Soul mates teach us some of the most important lessons in life. Like a mirror, they shake things up and force us to look at our inner world in order to change.
These connections are not to be taken lightly or to be wasted. Fear causes people to run away and hide because that is easier than looking in the mirror. The law of attraction has its merit. God works miracles and sometimes souls are separated and then reunited as each person is on his or her path of growth in life. When ready, they will meet again if it is meant to happen. And there is no accidental meeting between two souls, whether the connection is for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
The corporate candy and confectionary companies have disconnected us to the true meaning of our holidays. Today, sweeties around America spend boat loads of cash on Hallmark cards and fancy dinners without ever questioning where Valentine's Day actually comes from.
If you've followed me for sometime, you know I see repetitive numbers. For years, the number 214 has been a part of my daily existence. Many moons ago, a spiritual person told me that part of my mission in life is to understand various forms of love, and that I would help people in this life in love. I remember crying in my counselor's office during the dark times of my divorce telling her, "I feel like God put me through this to understand the pain and anguish of the heart and that I needed to experience divorce to understand the power of love."
So today, on 2/14, I encourage everyone to "root" to the real reasons on why Valentine's Day exists.
If you've followed me for sometime, you know I see repetitive numbers. For years, the number 214 has been a part of my daily existence. Many moons ago, a spiritual person told me that part of my mission in life is to understand various forms of love, and that I would help people in this life in love. I remember crying in my counselor's office during the dark times of my divorce telling her, "I feel like God put me through this to understand the pain and anguish of the heart and that I needed to experience divorce to understand the power of love."
So today, on 2/14, I encourage everyone to "root" to the real reasons on why Valentine's Day exists.
Prayer to St. Valentine:
Dear Saint and glorious Martyr, who are so popular with lovers, be kind to those whom we love and to us. Teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving. Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in each other. Let them love each other in God and God in each other. Amen.
Valentine's Day was never all about love. Saint Valentine was a 3rd Century Roman Saint, who died on February 14, 269 AD. In the early days of Christianity, Valentine was a Roman Priest who lived during the time of when Rome was under rulership from Emperor Claudius II (aka Claudius the Cruel).
Rome was not popular during this time and encounter many bloody campaigns. The emperor had a strong army, but found it difficult to recruit to men. He claimed that men had too strong of an attachment to their wives and children, and had no interest in fighting in war. As a result, Claudius banned marriages and engagements in Rome. In matters of the heart polygamy was popular during this time in the Roman Empire, which conflicted the Christian teachings of marriage between one man and one woman.
Valentine saw this as cruel and unjust, and performed marriage ceremonies in secrecy. Some also claim that he converted people into Christianity, which led to his arrest in Rome. This coupled with the secret marriages led to his arrest and eventually his death.
Valentine was taken to the Prefect of Rome and sentenced to a beating to death with clubs, stoning and a beheading.During his time in jail, he refused to announce his devotion to Christ.
Rome was not popular during this time and encounter many bloody campaigns. The emperor had a strong army, but found it difficult to recruit to men. He claimed that men had too strong of an attachment to their wives and children, and had no interest in fighting in war. As a result, Claudius banned marriages and engagements in Rome. In matters of the heart polygamy was popular during this time in the Roman Empire, which conflicted the Christian teachings of marriage between one man and one woman.
Valentine saw this as cruel and unjust, and performed marriage ceremonies in secrecy. Some also claim that he converted people into Christianity, which led to his arrest in Rome. This coupled with the secret marriages led to his arrest and eventually his death.
Valentine was taken to the Prefect of Rome and sentenced to a beating to death with clubs, stoning and a beheading.During his time in jail, he refused to announce his devotion to Christ.
According to the smithosonianmag.com article, The Gory Origins of Valentine’s Day, states, "According to a late medieval legend reprinted in the “Acta,” which was accompanied by Bollandist critique about its historical value, a Roman priest named Valentinus was arrested during the reign of Emperor Gothicus and put into the custody of an aristocrat named Asterius.
As the story goes, Asterius made the mistake of letting the preacher talk. Father Valentinus went on and on about Christ leading pagans out of the shadow of darkness and into the light of truth and salvation. Asterius made a bargain with Valentinus: If the Christian could cure Asterius’s foster-daughter of blindness, he would convert. Valentinus put his hands over the girl’s eyes and chanted:
“Lord Jesus Christ, en-lighten your handmaid, because you are God, the True Light.”
Easy as that. The child could see, according to the medieval legend. Asterius and his whole family were baptized. Unfortunately, when Emperor Gothicus heard the news, he ordered them all to be executed. But Valentinus was the only one to be beheaded."
On February 14, (supposedly) 269AD, Valentine was taken to his death. On his death date, he gave a love letter to the jailer's daughter and signed it, "From Your Valentine."
Now there are theories out of there on the reasonings of this date. Some claim that this is the day of when birds choose their love mate (on February 14), which is why there are often times birds in the artwork of Saint Valentine's. Some claim those are love birds. The halo above the head symbolizes higher consciousness. The palm branch and red clock symbolizes martyrdom. The small book or cross represents the faith he preached.
And that is how the Hallmark holiday Valentine's Day got it's name. Behind this holiday full of chocolates, flowers and candy kisses, was a brave soul who not only believed in God and Christ, but believed in the power of love and marriage in the Christian church. He was ready to heal people, wed couples in love and give his life for his faith. That is one powerful message to never give up on love or your faith.
Quit a man if you ask me.
As the story goes, Asterius made the mistake of letting the preacher talk. Father Valentinus went on and on about Christ leading pagans out of the shadow of darkness and into the light of truth and salvation. Asterius made a bargain with Valentinus: If the Christian could cure Asterius’s foster-daughter of blindness, he would convert. Valentinus put his hands over the girl’s eyes and chanted:
“Lord Jesus Christ, en-lighten your handmaid, because you are God, the True Light.”
Easy as that. The child could see, according to the medieval legend. Asterius and his whole family were baptized. Unfortunately, when Emperor Gothicus heard the news, he ordered them all to be executed. But Valentinus was the only one to be beheaded."
On February 14, (supposedly) 269AD, Valentine was taken to his death. On his death date, he gave a love letter to the jailer's daughter and signed it, "From Your Valentine."
Now there are theories out of there on the reasonings of this date. Some claim that this is the day of when birds choose their love mate (on February 14), which is why there are often times birds in the artwork of Saint Valentine's. Some claim those are love birds. The halo above the head symbolizes higher consciousness. The palm branch and red clock symbolizes martyrdom. The small book or cross represents the faith he preached.
And that is how the Hallmark holiday Valentine's Day got it's name. Behind this holiday full of chocolates, flowers and candy kisses, was a brave soul who not only believed in God and Christ, but believed in the power of love and marriage in the Christian church. He was ready to heal people, wed couples in love and give his life for his faith. That is one powerful message to never give up on love or your faith.
Quit a man if you ask me.
The Prayer of St. Valentine
Dear Lord, who art high in the Heavens,
Giver of Love and Passion,
And He who strings the heart’s cords,
Lead the Lovers this day, February ten plus four. The day during the month of two,
When the date is the perfect number of God
Greater two souls and two hearts. Some Loves are fleeting ,
But that which is built on you will never fail.
So guide the Lovers to know what is to be. Your truths the Lovers’ mouths should speak,
For Your truth is that which is honest to the heart.
Only this, then, should pass over the red lips of the Lovers. Your art, the Lovers simply a medium.
It is only with True Hearts that You can create a Masterpiece,
So let the Lovers remember that their Soul’s Desire
Is the one for which You light their Fire. And let it be You who creates the Art of the Lovers;
The art of two into one. Amen.
Author
Elizabeth Rae Kovar M.A. is Author of her memoir, Finding Om and is a Fitness Trainer, Yogi, Reiki Master, Presenter and Lover of Life. To view her portfolio please visit www.elizabethkovar.com
Follow her travels at: lemontreetravel.com
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