Part 1 Rediscovering the Art of Intimacy

Cupid Calling: Countdown to Valentine’s Day Part 1 Rediscovering the Art of Intimacy
Ah February, when frosty winter breath mingles with fragrant whiffs of chocolate and roses heralding Valentine’s Day delights. Storefronts overflow with googly-eyed teddy bears as restaurants tempt couples towards prix fixe passion. The pressure looms for elaborate date planning and Pinterest-worthy gifts reflecting true feelings.
But beneath Hallmark holiday hubbub, how many of us nourish intimacy as an ongoing practice beyond once annual box-checking? Life’s rapid pace leaves little room for the vulnerable presence that real connection requires. Yet tending relationships keeps our brightest light kindled amidst storms. Perhaps love manifests most through small sublime moments meeting another heart-to-heart.
So this Valentine’s season, let’s press reset on worn romantic rituals that often miss the mark. Rather than seeking transactions trying to capture complex emotions in store-bought symbols, what if we redirected focus towards the simple joy of experiencing beloveds in our midst?
Below find Part 1’s wisdom laying foundations for more meaningful bonds by reconnecting with self and others after distraction’s long winter. Let these guideposts spark inspiration welcoming spring’s thaw towards intimacy.
1: Start from Within - The Self-Love Sequence
We all intuitively know self-acceptance provides the basis for healthy relationships with others. But amidst perpetual personal growth goals, how often do we actually pause appreciating who we’ve become before seeking the next mountain summit? The true gift this season offers is reacquainting without warring internal critics that fragment experiencing whole hearts.
Practice seeing yourself and your circumstances through the lens of a benevolent friend rather than a harsh inner judge. Notice tendencies towards self-blame and perfectionism. What parts feel most difficult extending towards yourself? Those reveal openings needing warmth.
Try integrating the self-love sequence - a simple ritual reviving connection to inherent worthiness beyond human foibles. Find a peaceful space to:
1.) Attune to bodily sensations - Notice posture and breath without the need to change anything initially. Feel your feet grounded supporting you. Appreciate the strength and mobility of your vessel.
2.) Explore thoughts/emotions without judgment - Allow whatever feelings or stories surface to exist. Don't fix, justify, or explain. Witness flow.
3.) Offer gratitude for small joys - What basic blessings anchor your days - eyes to read, ears to hear songs, hands embracing loved ones.
4.) Repeat the loving mantra - "I am already whole, healed and enough." "I deeply care for all parts of my complex journey." "I love myself unconditionally."
Finish by placing your hands soothingly on your heart. Feel damaging definitions of worthiness melt. You are already naturally perfect and complete beyond roles, titles, and human metrics. Oneness exists within.
2: Presence - The Ultimate Aphrodisiac
Beyond commercialized couple’s activities, cultivating true connection depends on mindful presence noticing beauty otherwise obscured by routine. Presence grounds us in profound paradise hiding amidst the mundane if only we redirect attention with the eye's gaze softened by curiosity's wonder.
Attentive listening draws out our beloved's inner world that external masks often guard. Through fully engaged vulnerability, we call forward greater life. Try incorporating:
1.) Noticing fresh details in familiar spaces by imagining scenes with the newcomer’s awe - crystalline sunlight refracting rainbows, stirs of warm breeze across your cheek, chirping birdsongs drowned by earbud music. Perceive the world anew.
2.) When conversing with loved ones, maintain relaxed eye contact without mentally wandering. Refrain from interrupting even if you ri