This isn't a Hallmark Card. This is a love letter.

I saw one of my teachers perform his type of ministry onstage in Somerville on Wednesday night.

There are a handful of people who I call “one of my teachers.” It is the highest honor I know how to give. His name is Stephen Jenkinson, and I’ve recommended his book “Die Wise” to a number of you Mindful Boston subscribers during classroom settings.

I was paraphrasing one of the things he said on stage when I entitled this blog, “This isn't a Hallmark Card. This is a love letter.”

It hit me as a very succinct, direct way to describe the difference between the type of conversations that I have via text or tiktok, and the type of conversations that I want to infuse my life. Any time I insert an emoji, I am (not so consciously) sending a kind of “Hallmark Card” message. If I text a smile, or a wink, or a thumbs up, it’s a helpful form of hallmark message saying- I like that you are here on earth with me. I have clicked the like button on you, and I encourage how you are showing up.

There’s an important place for pleasantries. AND ALSO- I want more too.

It’s a fine thing to include the hallmark moments within a larger context of many types of relating with each other.

And now I have been given an excellent way of saying it: I want the love letters too.

I want to, sometimes, be compelled to have to sit with an idea. I want to, sometimes, be a little triggered but also a lot inspired. I want to fight for love, even when the person I fight with is my lover. Especially then.

If you have taken one of the Mindful Boston Level 3 courses, then you might understand how I see these multiple levels of conversation as essential for a life that is nurturing and sustaining.

This email is the Sunday news column.
The intention behind each Sunday’s installment is to add a little inspiration towards mindfulness into your week from the studio planner. Thanks for reading.

-Gena Bean

Lead Meditation Teacher