By the time you read this Valentine’s Day will have come and gone so you maybe questioning why I’m writing  this now?

We are lead to believe that Valentine’s Day is the day to show those we love how we feel. The media goes mad with ideas on how to spoil our loved ones, you can’t fail to have missed all the shop windows enticing us to buy special gifts and wondrous luxuries to make the day special. Mark and Spencers were given a good run for their money with Sainsbury’s and Tesco doing their best to offer gourmet two for £20 deals for a way to find a way to our loved ones’ hearts through their stomach. Was I the only groaning at all the hype by the end of the day? Surely we don’t need a special day to show people we love them? Surely we should be doing that everyday ?

For many people Valentine’s Day can be a bit of an emotional minefield and that’s not just those that are single. Many people can feel trapped in relationships where the love simply isn’t there anymore, if it ever was in the first place. Many people are worried about ending a loveless relationship as they simply don’t know how to be single or how to cope by themselves. Many of us fear the repercussions of splitting up, the impact on family and  friends, not to begin to mention the legal side and very often the financial implications of managing on one income, are also serious considerations, especially if you’ve been out of the workplace for sometime. Sometimes the loneliest place to be can be in an unhappy relationship. Valentine’s Day can also be really difficult for those that are single whether recently or long term. Many people become acutely aware of their status and the supposed absence of “love,” in their lives. We are lead to believe that if we don’t have that special someone to lavish gifts on or treat to beautiful meals that we are somehow missing out on something the rest of the world is enjoying.

So where am I going with this? I’m not anti- Valentine’s but I do think we need to reconsider the notion of love portrayed by Valentine’s Day. What is love to you? Is it just that romantic image of a happy couple or is it more than that? We are all surrounded by love. It is everywhere we look we just have to choose to let it in to our lives. Love can be shown in the smallest of actions it doesn’t have to be overstated or flamboyant. Love can be between family and friends and just being grateful for all that we have in our lives. We don’t need champagne and roses to know we’re loved. Love is about giving as well as receiving, if we appreciate the love in our lives and begin to share that with others then we open a door for love to come in to our lives, it can start with just smiling at other people or doing something selfless that makes someone else feel good.

If you feel unable to express or receive love. if you genuinely feel stuck and unable to open your heart to the powerful love surrounding us all then a few oils that might help you are, Neroli ( Citrus aurantium var amara) This is  a beautiful floral oil extracted from the blossom of the Bitter Orange tree. It’s scent is powerfully uplifting and helps us to relax and let go.Jasmine ( Jsminum grandiflorum) A warming slightly, spicy oil  that warms our hearts and removes fear and inhibitions. Patchouli ( Pogestemon cablin) is not an obvious choice of oil and not an oil particularly liked by many people but it is a powerful anti-depressive and instantly lifts the spirits making the soul lighter. These oils are safe to use in a bath or a burner and will blend well with citrus oils. They can also be used in massage but please seek advice before using essential oils at home.

Another beautiful way of describing love and the perfect heart is shared by Paulo Coelho in his blog The Perfect Heart

http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/10/04/readers-story-the-perfect-heart/