***4 Freedoms Integration Exercise (11): Vows

INTEGRATION EXERCISES
Exercises To Do Together
by Al Link and Pala Copeland

VOWS

Greatness, beauty, and creation spring forth from commitment. Saying yes unreservedly to your lover, burning all bridges of escape, giving everything you have, and holding nothing back bring you to the very edge of life unfolding. These affirmations give you the courage to take the leap of faith beyond the familiarity of your ego and over the edge. You fly in glorious freedom. This simple ceremony makes your commitment real and alive. You can feel it. It will feed you with strength in times of need, putting you in touch with your higher self if you surrender and allow it.

Time for Exercise: 10 to 30 minutes

Properties Required:

Nothing is required. Your words spoken with sincerity and deep feeling will be enough, but optional items can add power, excitement, and fun to the exercise, bringing you deeper into the mystery. You might wish to set up a sacred space for your ceremony (see Sacred Space), incorporating any or all of the following items: costumes (cloaks, masks, and gaudy jewelry); makeup; hats or headdress; scarves and shawls; Tibetan singing bowl, drums, rattles, other musical instruments or sound-makers; sacramental wine and goblets (silver or crystal); a pin to prick your fingers for blood bonding; photos from your wedding or another intensely romantic occasion; a selection of mysterious, passionate music; sensual food snacks or a complete gourmet lunch or dinner; beautiful pieces of colorful cloth; a selection of semi-precious or polished stones; fireworks or sparklers; and a bonfire. You might also include ritual acts such as drinking from the same goblet, exchanging small tokens of love, or mingling your blood from pricked fingers. Let your imagination go.

Steps:

1. Each prepares his or her vows in advance.
2. When it is your turn to say your vows, allow yourself to be fully present. Take your time and speak with your heart wide open.

Comments:

You might also go to a special spot outside, a place of beauty that you have visited together as lovers, perhaps a place where you will be completely alone so that in privacy you can consummate your vows with passionate lovemaking.