Thinking about thoughtfulness can be an endless proposition. Yet, thoughtfulness can mean so much to a person it should not be overlooked or forgotten. It can mean the difference between a smile and a frown on the inside or outside of people you care about in your life.

Universally, there are variable levels of all character traits in all people, just like thoughtfulness. If asked, you could probably name two or three people in your life who’s thoughtfulness is substantial or even overwhelming and then those that you could say might be underwhelming. Not giving and sharing the expression of thoughtfulness leaves a lot to the imagination.

Some people take so much time to extend their feelings, intentions and give to others. This energy exudes from their beings in a natural way. While others seem to have all that energy trapped inside them as if they are unable to let it out. When you make the effort to express yourself it strengthens and develops your character in a positive way. It To have someone in your life to reciprocate acts of thoughtfulness with is a true gift.

In yoga practice it is hard not to become more thoughtful! All the while we practice we strive to be more mindful of our breath. If we are breathing without thinking we become clearer. Clarity can bring gratitude for all those people, things and attributes that make our life unique and special. Showing your appreciation and gratitude through thoughtfulness allows your inner self to shine out to those that deserve it most in our lives. Thoughtfulness and mindfulness come hand in hand and feed upon each other.

There are many times in my life that I missed the opportunity to show thoughtfulness to those people who deserved it in the past. Sometimes I reflect on those times to become more conscious of what and how I should act now to prevent feeling this way in the future.

The effect of thoughtfulness is felt when it is strong and intentional. If you make the effort to be thoughtful it is likely it will be met with a return act of thoughtfulness. This creates a cyclical nature for love, appreciation and giving to blossom.

It is always good practice to take time out to consider how thoughtful a person we are and strive to be a little more thoughtful each day.

Thoughtfulness:

A considerate and thoughtful act

The trait of thinking carefully before acting

Kind and considerate regard for others;

“he showed no consideration for her feelings”

A calm lengthy intent consideration

http://www.wordreference.com/definition/thoughtfulness

Recently, I was talking to a friend and we got into a discussion about love. This person was asking me about my definition of love, what I expect and how do I find it.

I have pondered love throughout life on and off probably as most people. Once I began studying yoga it brought me to consider love in a whole new realm. One I felt was much more pure and comprehensible in an unattached state of being.

Love is defined in the dictionary as a strong, warm, profound positive emotion or pleasure, an intense emotional state or intense feeling of liking or affection. One can define love in so many ways as it feels right within your heart and soul.

In yoga, you can help your heart and spirit reconnect and rekindle love within your self. We use the heart center or chakra as a place of connection. A physical manifestation of what is sometimes an emotional feeling.

The heart chakra is associated with the color green. Green is a color we associate with growth or nature. I find that interesting because I feel love is an organic thing that can grow or die, be vibrant or wither away. It depends on the health of the soil you plant love in, the conditions of growth and the environmental factors that occur in the realm of this structure.

In connecting to this chakra we emphasize first self-love and then love for others. I can vouch for the practical theory that you must first love yourself before a loving relationship can work indefinitely in your life.

Some things to remember when you consider existing in the physical state of love with another being:

• Being in love is an unconditional state. It is usually considered a serious vow of commitment to be there and do most anything in your power for the person you profess your love.
• Love is not meant to be filled with expectations or conditions. Meaning you cannot impress your views and requirements of love onto another person. This will never work!
• Empathy is a very useful condition in love. Try to understand the others feelings, their person, their viewpoints and mannerisms. Take them for truth.
• Love is nonpermanent. Love should be cherished and appreciated because love can change or be lost. Be in the act of creation and you will help your love evolve.

When the heart centre has been fully opened, it becomes the channel for Universal Love. This is probably why in so many cultures the heart is said to be the seat of the soul. When you live in love, with love in your heart at all moments your life is sweeter and fuller and attracts more love to and around you.

Valentine’s Day was just here and I hope everyone gave, received and shared LOVE with MANY people in their lives! A loving gesture can brighten anyone’s day. If you can swing it, remember to act from love once a day and improve your state of being and karma too!