Valentine's Day can elicit a number of responses.  It's easy to cynically write it off with the deluge of mushy, sentimental and just plain tacky messages that surface around this time. (I know I do).   I realized I needed a new definition of romance and here it is:  A joyous, visceral connection to another person.

A loving touch stirs the soul, soothes the brain and gives a health boost - especially if you skip the sugar-laden chocolates.

And it makes you less vulnerable to stress. Touch (as does our yoga practice) lowers the presence of the stress hormone cortisol, which can suppress the immune system in excess amounts.  It has been said socially isolated people die earlier than those more socially connected.

What to do if you don't have your Valentines dinner booked already??  How about doing something challenging and novel together??    Sign up for a partner yoga class during this month, book each other a massage, go sledding, or have a snowball fight (no hard throwing though!)