Meditation Monday: Focus is LOVE

Koi pond at Sassafras Farms

The Power of Poetry and Love

Last week we did our revamped Lit and Libations book club. Our featured book was Never To Have Loved by Dassia Rose. This raw work put something on my mind that charged me to share and led to this week’s focus of love! In the book she speaks of love, loss, and triumph. As an English major, she expanded our minds and used a variety of styles to create a rhythmic journey of thoughts and emotions. I have shared previously that one of my new years resolutions was to read for joy. This event reminded me that I love poetry! I love poetry because it reminds me of music and creates a VIBE. It moves me internally, it stirs my soul. In the book we can all relate to the subject of love. It is not just about love for a partner that she tackles, but she tackles love of family, friends, and even food!! I probably am sharing my age, but one of my favorite films of all time is Love Jones with Lawrence Tate and Nia Long. In the film, you felt the power of their love. It was intoxicating and was crafted through poetry and music. I must watch it this week!! Snap, snap!!

The Dual Nature of Love

Love is a raw emotion that yields an experience like no other. It can be a double edged sword or a sweet lullaby. When you give it you pray you will receive the same. Most people see love as a feeling, I ascribe to the belief it is a feeling and an action. Feeling without action is nice. Feeling with action is powerful. It will move mountains with and for you. The silent bravery that operates with action filled love makes the receiver weak in the knees. The actionless love leaves the receiver wanting more.

Actionable Love

How do you show up for love? Many operate actionless because they have nothing to give. They may not be practicing self-care perhaps because they are too busy or have signficant life trauma that halts progression. They are not refilling their stores and doing the work required to give. You must refuel as if your life depended on it; it is not optional. Self-care is a practice that revolves around rest—resting of your body and resting of your mind. In mental health we speak of doing the work to move beyond trauma. The work involves giving yourself grace and forgiveness for those things that create a barrier to joy. The work is fundamental to joy. The practice of rest allows you to pause to create a path for work to begin. The practice of rest is intentional and is often overlooked. Practicing self care is synonymous with self love; This week focus on the love you want to receive and the practice of self-care to allow you to give what you desire to receive.

Practical Self-Care (Love) Tips

Start with a 15 minute break of rest. Read poetry, meditate, listen to music and be intentional about refilling your stores. Try garden therapy or a soothing essential oil candle that evokes an emotion. You will thank me but more importantly your love ones will see you have more to give! Move into action. Start a movement for you!!

Join our community

As you create your path, I encourage you to join a community. At Sassafras Farms, we are building a community of support. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or join our mailing list for updates. We have events designed to refuel and connect with community. For an extended rest join us on the farm for farm therapy and replenish your stores. I pray you are leveraging our mantra (akin to Haiku in poetry) to create your space. Live an inspired life and understand that you are

• Vital in body (represents the importance of self love)

• Inspired in mind (respresents fostering momentum and creativity)

• Balanced in soul (represents feeling accomplished with self)

• Engaged in spirit (represents being intentional about your life)

Sassafras Farms; its a V. I. B. E. I cannot wait to meet you on the farm. Until then, be deliberate and this week practice Love.