There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day alone tomorrow, and not all of them have to involve a CBD bath bomb and Element’s romance playlist on repeat. (Why, what are you doing for Valentine’s Day?)
Perhaps the simplest way to show yourself some love is just by laughing.
Rebecca, one of our wonderful acupuncturists at Element, recommends taking ten minutes to try the following laughing exercise, which is a well-known meditation. We promise it begets joy, even if you feel foolish while you’re trying it.
First, stand with your feet hip-width apart, and stretch your arms above your head. Then, rock your body side to side, and touch your hands to your feet. Massage your jaw while yawning to release the jaw muscles.
Next, find a comfortable seated position. Start by smiling, and then begin to laugh. At first, it may feel forced, but as you try different kinds of laughs, you may very well find that the laughter becomes authentic.
Finally, lie on the floor, and let your body be still. Be mindful of how this makes you feel. If you are overwhelmed with emotion, journal about it afterwards, or talk to a good friend.
As the author Jeremy Ross says, “The stronger the experience of oneness, the stronger the feeling of joy, of bliss, and of love for self, for others and for all living things. “
In terms of reaching the maximum expression of love in your qi, or vital life force, Rebecca recommends balancing the fire element in your body by eating some bitter foods—for example, dandelion greens, cruciferous vegetables, green tea, and, of course, dark chocolate.
When the fire element is in balance, she says, you can forge intimate connections easily. So even if you’re alone on Valentine’s Day, if your qi is balanced, you open yourself up to love in the future. And by the way, being alone is great. If you love yourself, you can be truly happy.