Open Your Heart - Tumblr Posts

By Dr. Jeanne Sheffield Estrada

James Taylor sings a powerful and poignant song called The Secret Of Life that gives some great advice to living such as:

“The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time...any fool can do it - there’s nothing to it. The secret of love is in opening up your heart… It’s okay to feel afraid, but don’t let that stand in your way. (it’s) …) try not to try too hard, it’s just a lovely ride.”

This song says a lot, but at the center of it says that the secret of life is opening up your heart. In the normal course of human experience this is to open to the love of others, but at a higher level the real secret to life is to opening your heart up to God.

While we are meant to enjoy this lovely ride in our brief days on this earth, along the way we need to do a few important things. First to thank God for our blessings, second to not be afraid to help those less fortunate and reach out to others and love unconditionally without expecting anything in return, but most important is to surrender your life and heart to God. When you do that as today’s scripture reading tells us, you become a “New Creation.”

Each day is a gift from God for each us to start fresh and new and to discover the happiness and joy we have in Christ when we live our lives in Him. Oh, my friend to be in Christ, do you know Him yet? If not, please close your eyes and ask Him to forgive you for your sins and ask Him to come into your heart right now. You will find an inner peace that you’ve have never known before. Then and only then will you the real Secret Of Life both now, and in a life that will last forever.

God Bless Your Day Jesus Loves You

Opening the Pathway to Love: A Guided Meditation for the Heart Chakra

Shaina Tranquilino

August 4, 2023

It is essential to find ways to nurture our emotional well-being and cultivate love and compassion within ourselves. The heart chakra, also known as Anahata, is the energy centre responsible for connecting us with these feelings. Located at the centre of our chest, this powerful chakra governs our capacity to give and receive love, forgiveness, empathy, and gratitude. By meditating on our heart chakra, we can create a harmonious balance in our lives and foster healthy relationships with others. Join me on a transformative journey through a guided meditation dedicated to opening and healing your heart chakra.

Step 1: Find a Serene Space

Begin by finding a quiet space where you won't be disturbed for the duration of your meditation practice. Ensure that the environment is calm, comfortable, and free from distractions. You may choose to light some candles or play gentle background music to enhance the ambiance.

Step 2: Get Comfortable

Sit in a relaxed position - either cross-legged on the floor or on a chair with your feet planted firmly on the ground. Straighten your spine while keeping your body relaxed; gently close your eyes.

Step 3: Deep Breathing

Take several deep breaths in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. With each inhale, imagine drawing in positive energy into your heart space; with each exhale, release any tension or negativity.

Step 4: Visualize Green Light

Visualize a vibrant green light radiating from the centre of your chest, representing your heart chakra. As you inhale deeply, imagine this green light growing brighter and more expansive with every breath.

Step 5: Focus on Loving Affirmations

Repeat loving affirmations silently or aloud such as "I am worthy of love," "I forgive myself and others," and "I am open to receiving and giving love." Allow these affirmations to resonate within your heart space, filling it with warmth and compassion.

Step 6: Release Emotional Blockages

As you continue breathing deeply, visualize any emotional blockages or past hurts dissolving away. Imagine them being gently released from your heart chakra as the green light expands further, purifying and healing this energy centre.

Step 7: Cultivate Love and Compassion

Direct your focus towards yourself, acknowledging that self-love is the foundation of all relationships. Visualize a radiant pink light enveloping your entire being, emanating pure love and compassion. Feel this love permeate every cell of your body, uplifting and nurturing you.

Step 8: Extend Love Outwards

Now, expand your loving energy beyond yourself. Visualize sending waves of unconditional love and compassion to those around you - family, friends, colleagues, even strangers. Envision this beautiful energy connecting hearts across distances and fostering harmony in the world.

By dedicating time to meditate on our heart chakra regularly, we can create profound shifts in our lives. Opening ourselves up to love and compassion not only benefits us personally but also has a ripple effect on those we encounter daily. Through this guided meditation for the heart chakra, may we all cultivate a deep sense of connection, forge healthier relationships, and contribute to a world filled with more love and understanding.

Valentine's Day: Celebrating Love and Affection Shaina Tranquilino February 14, 2024

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches, filling our hearts with warmth and excitement. This special day dedicated to love has been celebrated for centuries around the world, bringing couples closer and reminding everyone of the importance of affection in their lives.

Valentine's Day, observed on February 14th each year, holds a significant place in many cultures. Although its origins are somewhat mysterious, it has evolved into a day where people express their love and appreciation for one another through various gestures. From exchanging heartfelt gifts to enjoying romantic dinners or simply spending quality time together, this day offers endless opportunities to make your loved ones feel cherished.

The tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day dates back to ancient Rome when Emperor Claudius II banned marriages because he believed that single men made better soldiers. However, Saint Valentine defied this decree by secretly marrying young lovers. Eventually, Saint Valentine was caught and imprisoned but continued spreading love even from behind bars. Today, we honor his legacy by commemorating this day with joyous celebrations.

One of the most popular customs associated with Valentine's Day is sending cards or letters expressing affection towards loved ones. Known as valentines, these messages have become an essential part of the celebration. Whether it’s a simple note saying "I love you" or a heartfelt poem describing how much someone means to you, these tokens of affection never fail to bring smiles and warm hearts.

While exchanging valentines remains at the core of this day, modern celebrations have expanded beyond just romantic relationships. Friends, family members, and even pets can receive expressions of love on this special occasion. It has transformed into a beautiful opportunity for people to acknowledge all forms of love that enrich their lives.

In addition to handwritten notes or cards, gift-giving has also become customary during Valentine's Day celebrations. The traditional presents include flowers—especially roses—chocolates, and jewelry. These thoughtful gifts symbolize love, appreciation, and commitment. However, it is important to remember that the true essence of this day lies not in material possessions but in the genuine affection we show towards one another.

Valentine's Day is a chance to reflect on the importance of love and its impact on our lives. It reminds us to cherish those who hold a special place in our hearts and to express gratitude for their presence. It also serves as a reminder that love should be celebrated every day, not just on Valentine's Day.

For some people, Valentine's Day can bring about feelings of loneliness or sadness if they are single or have recently experienced heartbreak. However, this day offers an opportunity for self-love and self-care. Treat yourself to something special—a spa day, a favourite meal or movie—and embrace the joy of loving yourself.

Ultimately, Valentine's Day is so much more than a commercialized holiday; it is an occasion to celebrate love in all its forms. Whether you spend the day with your significant other, friends, family, or even by yourself, embracing love and affection is what truly matters. So let’s make this Valentine's Day memorable by spreading love and kindness wherever we go!

— Simran Singh, Blooming Between Throns