Love has many branches.  The branches bear leaves, the roots are the foundation.  The people surrounding us nourish and strengthen us.  Love can sprout up in an instant, and grow with time.  Like a bountiful tree, love nurtures, protects, provides shade and respite; love beckons us to grow… tall, strong, to lay deep roots, to bear fruit, and flower in the springtime.

With love, there is nothing we can’t be or do.  Loves produces courage and divine inspiration. Love nurtures the spirit and gives us wings to fly.  Love can mentor us, if we allow it. Love is known to act as a driving force or a muse.

In the end of this lifetime here on earth, love is the only thing we take with us.  The love we’ve given and the love we’ve received is what stays.  Love is the catalyst for all life.

What is more important than cultivating the soil of love, planting the seeds, watering, fertilizing, tending to, and expanding its harvest?

Love has many forms.  Love for ourselves, love for friends, love for our children, love for a spouse, love for our planet, love for the Universe, and love for mankind.

Love wins.  We have to believe in it.  We must embody love, and define its personal meaning.  We have to trust ourselves, trust one another.  Respect our boundaries, and take on higher standards.  Kindness is key; we must ask one another “what do you need today?”  Love requires communication of the heart, soul, and mind.  We can take a stand for love and settle for nothing less.  Because love is it.

In honor of love this week, here are 10 tips for cultivating divine love and partnership from some of the happiest, healthiest, and most successful couples I know.  Enjoy! <3

  1. Bath night – One evening per week take a bath together: wine, candles, bubble bath, discussing the highlights, areas, and subjects that need attention/improvement.
  1. Faith in your partnership – Practice faith in the divine power of love and in each other’s ability to evolve, even during bumps in the road.
  1. View your mate as your mirror – When your spouse is acting in a way that irritates you, practice patience, remember they are reflecting parts of you that need healing as well.
  1. Hold each other’s aspirations – Plan and discuss your spouse’s dreams and aspirations on a regular basis, as you would your own.
  1. “The couple that plays together, stays together” – Many friends swear by this motto. It is essential to play and have fun together often. Be willing to go out of your comfort zone with new adventures.
  1. Share what is going right – We’re pros at complaining about disappointment and what we see as poor behavior. Tell your mate what they are doing right.  Positive reinforcement goes a long way.
  1. Ask your significant other, “what do you need from me?” – During stress or conflict this question is invaluable. It can dramatically shift the energy of an exchange.  Even though partners know each other well, mindreading creates frustration and miscommunication.
  1. Check-ins – All couples I know who are thriving regularly check-in with each other to see how they are doing or feeling. Especially during times of stress or change.
  1. Loving touch – Divine Partners hold hands, massage, cuddle, play with their mate’s hair, and flirt; these gentle connections keep love growing and expanding. Couples I know who are deeply connected touch each other often.
  1. Kind consideration – When one partner has a message to convey to the other partner, feelings or requests, it is done with kindness and consideration.