Love Begets Love
"I want to be your love for ever and ever,
Without break or decay.
When the hills are all flat,
The rivers are all dry.
When it thunders in winter,
When it snows in summer
When heaven and earth mingle,
Not till then will I part from you."
- Folk Poetry from Han Dynasty
Dear Beloved....
For many of us this past winter has been anything but quiet. With the challenges and chaos that were thrown our way, our collective consciousness has never been more awake. Yet like Yin-Yang, we are courageous and compassionate. In our own ways we chose peace, inclusiveness, and diversity, all unified by Love.
And February is a great month for Love.
With the full moon on February 11th, the festivities of Lunar New Year comes to a romantic conclusion. In addition to the modern Valentine’s Day, there is also an ancient celebration of love in Asia. This day is also commonly known as the Lantern Festival or “Yuan Xiao Jie - 元宵节”. In ancient times, the lantern festival was one of the rare occasions when unmarried young women, chaperoned, were allowed to venture out of their homes. Romantic events unfolded during these evening outings, spontaneously, or aided by enthusiastic matchmakers. It was also a secret date-day for many lovers. Nowadays the Chinese celebrate this festival with elaborate lantern shows, eating sweet rice dumplings that signify harmony and reunion.
In this month of Love, let's take time to care for ourselves. Take a walk in nature, enjoy a few quiet moments and relish in a pampering ritual.
With Much Love,
Angela, Ervina, and the 5YINA team
