Page 101 - Natural Health (February 2020)

SELF

LYNNE FRANKS

“The idea of just one day a year when
we can receive a card and lowers telling

us we are loved is ludicrous”
February has of the mothers and
become the month Our columnist encourages us to sow the seeds of self-love grandmothers. Which
where, thanks to this Valentine’s day by celebrating our own unique virtues is why I have chosen
the greeting card February to launch
industry, and the my new season of
medieval priest, St. Valentine, we can go into a major funk Power of Seven retreats, where an intimate circle of women will
of insecurities and depression. The idea of just one day a year gather at my SEED Hub in Somerset to plant the seeds for the
when we can receive a card and flowers telling us we are loved is, next period of their lives.
of course, ludicrous. Some of my best Valentines days were spent when I was
I remember, as a teenager, sitting by the letterbox willing running ‘One Billion Rising’ in the UK, under the leadership
an anonymous Valentine’s card to arrive on February 14th and of Eve Ensler, the writer of Vagina Monologues. Eve has created
feeling terrible about myself if one didn’t arrive. a world-wide movement where all over the planet on February
As we get older, it becomes obvious that to be truly loved, we 14 (or V-Day, as Eve calls it) her global team individually and
have to love too, and that must start with ourselves! Easier said collectively create enormous events to raise of the sexual abuse
than done, but one of the advantages of age and wisdom of women and girls.
is appreciating our special qualities. If not now, when? My experiences included one February 14th running a
How many of you, like me, are amazed at how beautiful our big event in a very rainy Trafalgar Square with musicians,
younger selves looked in old photographs? I was going through women politicians and activists singing and speaking of their
boxes of ancient pictures recently and realised how I hadn’t own experiences of sexual abuse, and that of others.
appreciated at all how naturally lovely I looked as a young This was my life purpose and journey for several years –
woman, and had, in fact, been full of insecurities. and it gave a completely other dimension to February 14th.
Every one of us is beautiful inside and out and I believe This Valentine’s day, why not write yourself a letter of
it is crucial to appreciate and feel that at our deepest level. It admiration, regardless of whether you have a partner or
is important to view ourselves with a ‘lover’s eye’ rather than not? You could make a beautiful card to write it in, or keep
as a ‘critic.’ it simple – whatever is going to inspire you to do it.
According to historic references, Valentine’s day origins Acknowledge all the wonderful, unique gifts you possess
were pagan and taken over by the Catholic Church in an effort in every way. Celebrate your courage, your compassion,
to ‘Christianise’ the celebration of Lupercalia, a fertility festival your integrity, your creativity, your beauty, your zest for life
dedicated to the Roman gods of agriculture. and your truth.
Having read a lot about the Romans’ activities in erasing
feminine power by changing myths and spiritual beliefs, I suspect To learn more about Lynne Franks’ Power of Seven
the origin of the day is actually based on the sacred feminine and Women’s Leadership Retreats throughout 2020,
the planting of seeds to create food – always the responsibility starting this February 20th – 22nd, visit hubatno3.com

NATURAL HEALTH 101