Valentine's Day is this Thursday. According to legend, St. Valentine lived around 270 A.D. when many Christians were being persecuted. He devoted himself to helping them escape persecution and was apparently executed for his actions. Before he was killed, so the legend goes, he healed a young woman named Julia of blindness and sent her a note that was signed "Your Valentine." Julia, in turn, planted an almond tree near his grave.

So, perhaps, we could say that Valentine's Day is not just about romantic love and kindergarten shoeboxes full of adorable paper hearts. Maybe we could say that, in the tradition of St. Valentine, it is also about unconditional love and protecting individuals from persecution. With that expanded view, we can confidently send greetings of love to all beings everywhere and sign them--"Your Valentine."

And in addition we can send valentines to the human beings of the world to heal the blindness and open the eyes of everyone who does not yet see—the sacredness of all living beings, the love they have for each other, and their right to live free from human persecution. And we can sign those also--"Your Valentine."

Because we have devoted ourselves to the work of this prayer circle, we have made it possible for the love of the universe to pass through us in all its power to reach every being, including the human ones, and speed us all toward the ahimsa transformation of consciousness that is taking place. Imagine billions of valentines pouring from your heart to the hearts of all. Love is growing everywhere, thanks to you.

With Love, peace, and gratitude from your vegan valentines--Judy, and Will, Madeleine, and the Circle of Compassion team

With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy, and Will, Madeleine, and the Circle of Compassion team