Hearts

The heart is such a beautiful and simple shape that we all recognize. A universal symbol that has been a great way to express feelings without using words, allowing us to share our emotions, our sympathy, our love.


I was inspired by this feeling as I feel most thankful for the people that surround me in life. It is a feeling of floating, ethereal, yet strong if fluctuating at times. How do we sustain love on a daily basis, without conditions, manipulations?  It is simply a matter of paying attention, of being aware. It is not easy to notice that we are being selfish, only thinking of us. Yet it is so much better to give love than receive it. It is a simple and beautiful gesture, and can be healing for many. Insisting on receiving it shows we are needy, an immature way of being. Children should receive it unconditionally, profusely; it will teach them later in life to do the same. For it is difficult to be able to give love back if we have not experienced it early on. The heart is tight, unwilling to open, for fear of being hurt. The work to open it becomes a life challenge, but it is not difficult once you see and understand that when you turn to others rather than yourself, the heart softens and dances, joyful to be making a difference in someone's life.

"If there is love, there is hope that one may have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace. If the love within your mind is lost and you see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education or material comfort you have, only suffering and confusion will ensue".
His Holiness the Dalai Lama