Practice Love On

My friend Dave is one of the most positive and innovative people I know. I often joke his blood type is "Be Positive". Dave is someone who truly lights up any room he walks in by his positive spirit and presence. Around the time I was working on the writing of my new album, Shine, I was having a conversation with Dave and asked him what he was up to? He told me he was on his way to a family dinner to “love on” his uncle. Little did I know this would lead to one of the album tracks on the new release.

Up until this point I had never heard of the practice “love on”. After my conversation with Dave I learned that “love on” is a common tradition in his family, whereby each family member gets honoured on their birthday and/or special occasions by having a dinner in their honour and affirmed that they are unique, special, and loved.

As I write this, I am also reminded of a few winters ago when my family gathered together to celebrate the holidays. We sat in a circle and each took turns “loving on” each other and receiving individual words of affirmation and love. Filled with tears, open hearts, and a deep feeling of connection, I recall how powerful it was to both give and receive love in this sharing circle.

As we come to a time in the year of thanksgiving, I urge you to find unique and meaningful ways to mindfully practice giving and receiving love in your life. It is one of the most powerful ways to truly show up authentic in the moment and to rise each other up.

This month I will try my best to share meaningful “love on” moments with you and I hope you will do the same.

In the spirit of “love on”, I want to thank you for being part of my community and being a such a blessing in my life. Do not dim your light, shine bright and know that you are loved.

"Love On" is an exercise featured in my new book Making Sense of Mindfulness. It's my hope that that you'll turn these exercises into a part of your daily practice. 

Love, Keith