It’s that time of the year again when the word *love* is thrown around frequently, casually, and often superficially. True love needs no holiday, although I’m definitely one to rework a tradition to my own advantage, and love is definitely to my advantage. I invite all the lovers out there to reclaim this day/week/month to center yourself in love and cultivate habits that allow those strong feelings of pleasure, sensuality, and love (platonic, romantic, sexual, and familial) to flourish all year long.

I will be spending the 14th the same way as I spent the 1st, 5th, and 7th of the month...doing the most luxurious self-care rituals all for no other reason than to enjoy myself. Let me walk you through one of my nights, and take note of what you like, how you might alter (add or substitute) practices to fit your own lifestyle...

Exercise and physical movement always help to bring me back to my body, and recently I have been getting back to my athletic roots through regularly running in addition to hot yoga sessions. I start my sensual evenings with a run or yoga class to get my heart pumping, muscles flexing, and get those endorphins or runner’s high. Still reeling from the feeling of accomplishment and damp with the glory of my sweat, I'll roll up a blunt (and maybe have a snack or light meal first).

I've discovered purple lemon haze to be the perfect sativa-hybrid strain for "getting in the mood." Coupled with the natural euphoria from movement, this strain both heightens physical sensations and gives you a decided "happy" feeling versus a subdued, relaxed feeling (which has equal, though definitely different, attributes for sex & love). Breaking down the sweet and floral bud is a dream as it is the perfect texture to crumble between two fingers. Despite its name, it doesn't really appear purple at all or have a citrus profile like we might expect, however nothing about the bud disappoints with about 23% THC. Rolling up the blunt, I add dried rose petals to the mix to enhance the floral taste, and as the ultimate symbol of love, the rose helps me to call that energy to myself.

I love to smoke and dance in the mirror with my favorite music playing—this designated time for "vanity" is crucial to setting the mood for me. While the smoke furls and the THC and terpenes do their thing in my brain, I set aside time to admire my body, noticing little things not available when clothed or with other people. "Damn girl, your booty jiggles in a dope way when you dance like that...yes, girl your masks have your skin glowing....that run really accentuated your leg muscles...you are a work of art" are thoughts and positive affirmations generated from the visual self-loving.

Once the blunt is done, or I otherwise feel complete in the mirror, I'll take a highly-sensual shower, taking time to appreciate how the water forms beads then rolls off my skin, how the pressure relaxes my muscles, and spiritually (as well as physically) rid myself of old energy and toxins. If you've ever taken a shower or bath high, you know the feeling.

Once your purification is complete, head back to the mirror and massage and moisturize yourself with body oils or butters. Coconut oil is my go-to all seasons of the year for the moisturizing properties, fragrance, and multi-task abilities (coconut oil can also be used as a great natural lubricant, barring any nut allergies, pun intended). Following the same loving affirmations as before, become aware of how your touch feels; notice the oil melting on and then into your skin, show extra love to sore muscles and other places of tension. Admire your exercised, blunted, showered, oiled up sensual body, now totally receptive to love and pleasure.

If you are expecting company in your bedroom, think of this as the "getting ready" phase: maybe after massaging yourself you put on something that makes you feel sexy, maybe queue up your slow jams playlist, clean and sage your space, light some candles, and roll another blunt for when your partner arrives (or you call them back in). If you are planning a solo night, you're already in the best position to have some fun-- grab some extra coconut oil and have a wild time with yourself (maybe still in front of the mirror)! If you attended any of our Smoke + Stretch workshops at Babeland, this is a good time to practice some of the sex magic we learned about and/or use some of the discounted toys you purchased.

Doing multi-step self-love rituals is great to integrate into your weekly/monthly routine to set aside time to come back to your earthly temple and discover its endless pleasures—we're only in this skin once, take advantage! I would definitely recommend this strain for all love and sex rituals to heighten sensations and bring out curiosity and self-appreciation!

~ Kenya Ku$h~

PS If you follow this, and have a baby, I want an invite to the shower!